Ben and I grew up together, same neighborhood, from the time we were eight years old.  We enjoyed a wonderful childhood, riding bikes, sleigh riding, ice skating, the beach, family outings, etc.  He was my classmate through high school and later on we married. and had two daughters, Patricia and Nancy. They gave usfour wonderful grandchildren, Megan, Daniel, Stephanie and Samatha. We traveled with the Navy and Ben spent three tours of duty in Vietnam.  While there he received a purple heart and also a silver star.  He was in Naval Explosive Ordnance Disposal, jump qualified and was very well thought of by all the men in his unit. He went from a second class in the Navy at the time we married (Jan 1964)to a Lieutenant at the time of his death in August 1977.He never stopped going to school so in August 1977, the dean and president of Southern Illinois University delivered his bachelors degree postumously, at my home, to his daughters.  He had studied Industrial Safety and would have used that knowledge after retirement.He was an avid sports enthusiast.  He spent time with San Diego mountain rescue, teaching mountain survival and safety and gave demonstrations to local law agencies.  He coached swimming, women's volleyball, kids baseball and served on a committee that judged the local science fair.  He had just started teaching College Algebra part time when he died suddenly at the age of 35.He is survived by his wife, daughters, grandchildren and a host offriends.  He is still missed.

 Ben and I both worked at South Shore Hospital while in HS. He was a cheerful guy and it's sad to know I won't see him again.