Benjamin A. Saggese

1953 - 2024

The artist Benjamin A. Saggese, 71, of Munson, passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, January 19th. He was comforted by his wife, Minerva, and surrounded by his most prized possessions, his dogs, and his artwork. Ben flew like an eagle to become an angel of God to look after us.

Ben was born on January 15th, 1953, to parents Benjamin Sr. and LaVerne Saggese in Philipsburg, PA. After Ben graduated from West Branch High School in 1970, he went on to earn an associate degree from the Art Institute of Pittsburgh. A prolific artist, Ben's paintings were exhibited nationally and internationally. He was the recipient of over 150 awards in the United States. His work explored relevant social issues and religious themes, such as "The Book Collection" (biblical verses) and the Stations of the Cross, as well as the scenery and culture of Central Pennsylvania and his adopted home-away-from-home in Taxco, Mexico. In addition to creating work of his own, Ben taught art classes at SCI Houtzdale, SRAC Studio in Clearfield, and his gallery at home. Two of his students went on to exhibit their art in the Vatican calendar. A prominent local artist, Ben also served for several years as the Art Superintendent of the Clearfield County Fair Board and for three terms on the Board of Directors of the Clearfield Art Studio Theatre. An avid writer, Ben also contributed articles to The Progress and composed award-winning poems and lyrics. Ben's gift to us is a corpus of hundreds of artworks chronicling over fifty years of artistic production, imagination, and insight.

On a personal level, Ben reveled in creating beautiful spaces with his wife Minerva, such as the church they made into an art studio, gallery, and home. In his garden, he created living art that often inspired his paintings. Ben was a vivid storyteller who loved to make people laugh. A deeply spiritual person, he had the ability to notice and express the extraordinary in the everyday. In Ben's words, "With expression of my work, I hope to inspire the emotions to see the same thing in a new light."

Ben is survived by his wife of 39 years, Minerva, and family members sister Nancy Russell and her husband Charles of Winchester, VA; brother Michael and wife Doris of Philipsburg, PA; brother Charles and wife Deborah of Lanse, PA; and his nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Benjamin Sr. and LaVerne, and his late sister, Santine I. Herr.

Following Ben's wishes, there will not be a public viewing; instead, a celebration of his life will be held at a later date this spring. The colors of his life will remain with all of us forever.

In lieu of flowers, in memory of Ben, you might acquire for each $30.00 donation, a lithograph of "ST. Peter's Square and the Basilica", Vatican City or a copy of his print "Man, Spirit and Temperament" featuring his poem "Father and Son Homilies" by contacting Minerva at minervasaggese@yahoo.com. All proceeds will benefit "Young People Who Care", Frenchville, PA, Ben's favorite Spiritual Center.

Strange & Weaver Funeral Service, Morrisdale, is in charge of the arrangements.