Ben S. Aufiero
June 6, 1923 ~ May 31, 2021
Born in Hoboken, NJ., 97 years ago, Ben lived a full life, dying at home surrounded by his caring family. He grew up with his brothers, John and Vincent (Jimmy). Ben was an active sportsman, playing semi-pro baseball before WWII. He enlisted in the Marine Corp and became a Marine Raider. He survived the Battle of "Sugar Loaf Hill" on the Island of Okinawa as a mortar man. Ben was one of the first Marines to occupy Japan at the close of the war.
After leaving the service, he fell in love and married Mary Krambis, and they started a family. They had 6 children. He worked for many years as a local contractor and built his own home in Palisades Park.
Ben was an avid sportsman, his involvement in tennis and golf made him many friends. He made Singer Island, FL., his second home during the winter months. The warm weather allowed him to continue to play golf and make new friends.
Ben is predeceased by his beloved wife, Mary. Devoted father of John Aufiero, Harry Aufiero, Chris Aufiero, James Aufiero, Stacy Rozzo and Phyllis DeCarlo. Cherished grandfather of 15 loving grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.
As a member of St. Michael's Church for many years, he reconnected with the church and re-established his love for the Blessed Mother.
The family will receive their friends on Thursday 4:00pm-8:00pm at the Frank A. Patti and Kenneth Mikatarian Funeral Home, 327 Main Street "opposite the Fort Lee Library." The funeral will leave Friday at 11:45am for a celebration of his funeral mass in St. Michael's R.C. Church at 12:15pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516. For condolences, directions or information, call (201) 944-0100 or www.frankpatti.com
Services
Funeral Mass: June 4, 2021 12:15 pm - 1:00 pm
St. Michael R.C. Church
19 E. Central Blvd
Palisades Park, NJ 07650
Visitation: June 3, 2021 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Frank A. Patti & Kenneth Mikatarian Funeral Home
327 Main Street
Fort Lee, NJ 07024
Internment: June 4, 2021 1:30 pm - 2:00 pm
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Almost 50 years ago, Ben and Mary welcomed me to their family as their daughter-in-law. I have many fond memories of birthdays, dinners and holidays shared with them. I quickly learned of Ben’s unique sense of humor – and no one was exempt from his sharp wit! We are so grateful that our children and grandchildren were able to spend time with him. He was loved and will be missed. Love, Pat
We are very saddened to hear of the passing of Ben Aufiero.
He was always very kind and congenial to us, and we will miss him.
May God give you comfort and peace at this time.
Ben reminded me a great deal of my father. Like Ben, he was Italian, born in NJ, and served our country in combat during WWII. After the war, he also married and spent lots of time in Florida, but he spent most of his life in NJ. And like Ben, he also loved baseball. Dawn’s father loved baseball too, and had a similar experience as an NJ-born Italian, struggling to get work during the Great Depression.
As time passed and both of our dads went to be with the Lord, we met Ben at an adult Bible study soon after, and usually sat near him in the back of the room.
We talked to Ben about everything,
Talking to Ben was like talking to our-greatly missed fathers, since Ben had a good sense of humor and loved his family.
And we loved Ben.
This reminds us that we do nothing to earn the right to be our fathers’ children. We are simply born into the family, and no matter what happens, even if we rebel against them, they are still our fathers. Even more importantly, we can be born spiritually, when we believe in the Lord Jesus as Savior from our sins. Then, we are born into God’s family and our Father is God. We do nothing to earn the right to be God’s children, and then, no matter what happens, even if we rebel against Him, God will still be our spiritual Father. From the Bible:
“God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16.
“For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38-39
Tony & Dawn
To My Dad,
I want to thank you for giving me a great work ethic. You allowed me to make mistakes and learn how to get things done. You showed me how to be a good father and to enjoy spending quality time with my family. Though we went through a tough time, nothing made me happier then when you came to me and made things right. The truth came to you and with the help of my brother, sister and loving wife Pat, we were able to be with you and care for you. I thank you and them for giving me the chance to be there with you when you left this world.
Your Loving Son,
Angelo aka John