Dr. Benedict "Ben" John Miriani

Dr. Benedict "Ben" John Miriani, D.O., 92, of High Hill, Missouri, passed away February 16, 2026. He was born October 26, 1933 in St. Louis, Missouri. Ben graduated in 1959 from Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine and was a practicing family physician in the St. Louis area for approximately 30 years. He was known as "Doc" to so many.
Ben was married to the love of his life, the late Judy Miriani, for nearly 58 years. She pursued him relentlessly at the movie theatre where he worked as an usher, and we are all forever grateful that she did.
Born and raised on The Hill in St. Louis, Ben carried the pride, loyalty, and work ethic of that close knit Italian neighborhood throughout his life. The Hill shaped him. It taught him family first, discipline, and the value of hard work. He was the baby of his family and the last surviving sibling, yet he became the quiet patriarch of Judy's family, leading not with loud words, but with steady presence and example.
A dedicated family man, Ben worked hard every day and came home every evening to sit down for dinner with his family. He believed in showing up. In 1974, Ben and Judy built their place at "The Ranch" which so many of you know and love, where the majority of weekends were enjoyed with family. Ben and Judy retired there in the early 1990's and Ben resided there until his passing.
After retirement, he and Judy embraced adventure, traveling in their RV for more than 20 years. His advice was simple and consistent: "What are you waiting for? Do it while you are still young enough to enjoy it." In her later years, he cared for Judy faithfully and tenderly until she passed, honoring the vows he had made decades before.
Ben loved the simple gifts of life: coffee on the porch, tending his yard, a good dog or cat, building and fixing things with his hands, a well-made cocktail, grilling and a boat ride at sunset.
He was a wealth of knowledge and always eager to learn more. If you had the time, he had a lesson, a story, or a bit of wisdom to share.
He moved through life without hurry. He accepted what came and handled it with quiet strength. It is impossible to sum up 92 years of a life well lived in a few short paragraphs. What remains are the stories, the values he passed down, and the steady love that shaped generations. He will be deeply missed, but we are forever grateful for the memories.
He is proceeded in death by his wife Judith "Judy" Anne Winkler, parents Carlo and Maria Re Miriani, Brothers Mike Moran and Charles Miriani, sisters Ann Berra, Virginia Ruggeri, and Ann Restelli, and granddaughter Jamie Nicole Short.
Survivors include, son Mark Benedict Miriani and wife Linda Romano Miriani, Grandson Steven Lorenz and wife Amy, great grandchildren Scott and Scarlett, grandson Anthony Miriani and wife Alexandria, great granddaughter Mila, grandson Zachary Romano and wife Alana.
Son Dr. Matthew John Miriani and wife Sue Sekeras Miriani. Granddaughter Allyson Miriani Hartmann and husband Drew, granddaughter Amanda Miriani Winter and husband Nick, granddaughter Anna Miriani
Daughter Michelle Miriani Backs and husband Timothy, grandson Nicholas Backs and wife Ashley, great grandsons Beau and Bruce, granddaughter Maria Backs Brandt and husband Michael, great grandchildren Leah, James and Belle, granddaughter Rachel Anne Backs.

A memorial service will be held at St. Patrick's Church in Jonesburg Missouri, 509 N 1st St., on Saturday March 14, 2026 at 11 a.m., followed by a lunch visitation in the church hall. The family would love for you to attend so they have a chance to visit with you all. Just a note: Highway 70 has lots of construction and detours so plan accordingly.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Patrick's Church, 509 N 1st St., Jonesburg, Missouri, 63351 or to any charity that supports our veterans.