Benedict “Ben” Viglietta

Benedict (Ben) C. Viglietta, 72, of Mill Creek, WA; Clinton, NY; Manhattan Beach, CA; Las Vegas, NV; Moorestown, NJ; Dewitt, NY; Poquoson, VA; Rome, NY; Incirlik AFB, Turkey; Homestead AFB, FL; Grand Island, NY and Dryden, NY sadly left us on June 27, 2022 following a losing battle against mesothelioma which is only caused by asbestos.

He is survived by wife Terri Viglietta and sons Ben, David and Robert. He is also survived by twelve siblings – Gene (Mary), Tony (Martha), Joe (Fifita), Susie (Scot), Rose (Bruce), Pat, Ted (Camille), Sarah (Bob), Lilly, Jeanne, Pete (Annamarie) and Marion (John, deceased) — and progeny, too numerous to list. They were forever in his heart. He would appreciate a special shout-out to Saam, our Rotary daughter from Thailand with whom we’ve had a long and loving relationship.

Ben graduated from the State University of New York at Buffalo with a degree in Economics and went on to graduate from SUNY Buffalo with a J.D. He later attained an MBA from Rutgers University and later, a teaching degree. He entered the Air Force as a JAG – Judge Advocate General. Retiring after that career, he worked for the Central Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired in Utica, NY and then began a career as a teacher which he loved.

His interests and hobbies were varied and eclectic: spirited discussions, gardening, study of Buddhism, hunting deer and fishing (especially with brother Tony), cooking, music, roasting green coffee beans, electronics, Thailand and perfecting his Thai language skills, ridding Southeast Asia of landmines, birding, traveling — especially overseas, home projects, carpentry and helping his Lakewood friends.

A Laying-In ceremony for Ben will take place at 2pm on Tuesday, July 26, 2022.