Benjamin Schlossberg Jr.

Benjamin Schlossberg Jr.

AGE: 74 • Asbury Park

Benjamin Schlossberg Jr., 74, of Asbury Park, departed this Earth, Saturday, Sept. 12, 2015. Born and raised in Jersey City, Ben resided in Deal before moving to Asbury Park in the early 1990's. A basketball star in his youth, he graduated from Stevens Hoboken Academy in 1958 and from Cornell University, and also Seton Hall Law School.

In the 1960's & 70's while living in LaJolla, California, he became a hot air balloon pilot and had a business, "Balloons Unlimited". He worked with many of the top rock bands of the era, at music festivals. Appearing as opening act for groups such as, The Who, Stepenwolf, Cream & ELO. Ben was a bit of a dare devil, suspending trapeze artists from the gondola, shooting off fireworks, while in flight.

July of 1968, he took part in an expedition to swim from Alaska to Siberia, since it was in the midst of the cold war, both Russian and American governments did not sanction the swim. However, he and a friend, made it halfway to the Diomede Islands.

During the 1980's, he was employed with John D Lazarus, where he successfully sold commercial and investment real estate. Later to establish himself as Broker of record with his own company, Delta Realty.

Ben was a raconteur, author, play write, musician, singer, accomplished piano player, father and grandfather. During the last decade of his life, he was perfecting his musical, multi media play, and art performance piece, How to Survive Just in Case the Bomb Doesn't Drop. He also produced and released a cd of his music titled, Ben, which contained a song he wrote specifically about Asbury Park.

Ben became increasing adept at medical research. This skill allowed him to assist many people in understanding there own attempts in keeping healthy.

He is survived by his son, Ari B Schlossberg, daughter-in-law, Cathea and a grandson, Tobias.

A humble, caring and generous man, he will be remembered for his quick wit, intellect, great sense of humor, his care and kindness. He will live on, in the hearts of all who knew him.

Graveside funeral services will be held 11 a.m., Thursday, Sept. 17, 2015 at Mount Moriah Cemetery, 685 Fairview Ave., Fairview.