The name Passalacqua is very well known in the city of Benicia, and is usually associated with the Passalacqua Funeral Chapel. However, Kristine Passalacqua is also well known in her own right for her commitment to the St. Dominic’s Conference of the Society of St Vincent de Paul. (SVDP)
This Catholic lay charity has been instrumental in Benicia for 27 years and, more importantly, during the Covid-19 pandemic. St. Vincent de Paul not only delivers food to the poor, but also assists with rent, water and utility bills and emergency funding. There are several different teams that deliver food five days a week to those in need. They are able to deliver food to a family or individual up to twice a month, if needed. The Society also has a backpack program for kids who need supplies for school and also a holiday dinner box program, Christmas giving tree, school children summer healthy snack program, clothing and shoes for our jail ministry and assistance for fire and flood victims.
SVDP has been working on establishing an emergency container across the street from St. Dominic’s Church on I Street. Both the Police and Fire Departments would have access to emergency supplies stored there in case of a fire or earthquake. It would be designated for the East Side of Benicia. While Kristine is an optimist, she has real concerns that Benicia has not seen the worst of the pandemic, especially looking ahead to when the State removes its moratorium on delinquent rents and mortgages.
As usual, entities in Benicia have stepped up to make sure St. Vincent de Paul has the necessary financial tools to get the job done. Recently, Valero Refinery of Benicia donated $10,000.00 to the organization. If you need food assistance, please call 707.746.1773. For financial assistance, call 707.200.4940.
Kristine has also been involved with other parts of the community. She has served as the Chair of the Benicia Chamber of Commerce Educational Committee and also the Candidate Endorsement Committee. Kristine was a member of Soroptimist International of Benicia. She used her qualifications as an adjunct professor at Solano College teaching interior design for 17 years to successfully run her own interior design company for 39 years. Kristine has been married to David Passalacqua for 36 years and they have a daughter, Jennifer, who is an Event Manager and is married to Brandon Trapp. David was originally in the family mortuary business with both his grandfather, father and brother Sherm. He decided to take another path and worked for the State of California, retiring after 30 years. I asked Kristine how she would like to end the article. She said, “tell people I love Benicia!” Enough Said!
