Benjamin T. Iovino Jr.

Schenectady Benjamin T. Iovino Jr., 63, of Outer Drive, passed away, Thursday, July 24, 2008, at Ellis Hospital with his loving family at his side. Born Oct. 8, 1944 in Niskayuna, he was the son of the late Benjamin and Avelena Iovino Sr. Ben was a lifelong resident of the Schenectady area and graduated from Mont Pleasant High School in 1963. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1963 and served honorably until his discharge in 1968. He married Gloria B. Wescott on Jan. 8, 1971, and the couple enjoyed 37 wonderful years together. During his early years, Ben worked as a plumber and volunteered as a fireman with the Mariaville Volunteer Fire Co. He spent more than 34 years working for General Electric in Schenectady, before retiring. Ben was a life member of the VFW Post No. 4660 of Glenville, a member of the GE Quarter Century Club, NYS Lumberjack Association, past NYS Trap Champion and past member of the Iroquois Rod and Gun Club. He was also a member of the Yankee Doodles Camping Club, Bocci Ball League, Wiggly Worm and GE Turbine bowling teams. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and also enjoyed motor sports, following the local dirt series. Most important was his ability to be such a devoted husband, father and grandfather. Survivors include his beloved wife, Gloria, of Schenectady; His three daughters, Deborah Catuccio and her husband, Rick, of Ballston Spa, Denise Famiano and her husband, Alexander II, of Glenville, Dawn Marie Pidgeon and her husband, Michael Jr., of Rotterdam; His pet dogs, Tinkerbell and Bear; Grandchildren, Michael and David Catuccio, Meghan Quinn, Amberlyn Pidgeon, Brittany Manning, Victoria Pidgeon and Alexander Famiano III; His brother, Patrick Iovino and his wife, Beverly, of Pattersonville; and several nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles. Friends may call on Ben's family from noon to 2 p.m. Monday at the Alexander-Baker Funeral Home, 3809 Main St., Warrensburg. A service to celebrate his life will follow the visitation at 2 p.m. with Sister Linda Hogan of St. Cecilia's Roman Catholic Church in Warrensburg, officiating. Burial with military honors will follow in Bates Cemetery, Johnsburg. Expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations to the American Red Cross. Please visit www.alexan derfuneral homes.com for online guest book, condolences and directions.