Dr. Benjamin Patur

Dr. Benjamin Patur, 94, of West Hartford passed away at his home, Thursday, (July 3, 2003). Ben was born in Detroit, Michigan, November 10, 1908 to the late Harry and Ethel Patur. An accomplished artist and trumpet player, Ben was best known as a pioneer in the field of Periodontal Dentistry. He received his B.S. from the University of Alabama and his D.D.S. from the University of Tennessee Dental School. While completing his education he met and married Hazel Cohen, who swept him off his feet and continued to be the love of his life until her death in June of 1999. They were married for 62 years. Doctor Patur was highly regarded as an ultimate clinician during the 50 years of his work in Hartford. Serving in the U.S. Navy as a dentist in World War II, he returned to Hartford to practice and teach; he taught post graduate dental school at UConn, Tufts University, was published in dental journals and lectured internationally. He was described by students, colleagues and patients as a wonderful educator and teacher who possessed absolute integrity maintaining his interest in the field even in his 90's. Ben continued to paint during his years of retirement, nursing Hazel through her long illness and sharing his dry wit, generosity and love with his family. Ben leaves his sisters, Jessie Iger of West Hartford, Rose Kartell of West Palm Beach, FL; daughter and son-in-law, Jean and Ken Roberts of Glastonbury; granddaughters, Stephanie Gross of Brooklyn, NY, Meg Howard and her husband Tom of Richmond, VT; great grandchildren, April and Eli Howard of Richmond, VT also of Richmond, VT; and several much loved nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at Weinstein Mortuary, 640 Farmington Ave., Hartford on Sunday, July 6, at 12:30 p.m. Friends and family may pay their respects on Monday, July 7 and Tuesday, July 8 from 7-9 p.m. at the home of Jean and Ken Roberts, 36 Martin Terrace, Glastonbury. Memorial gifts may be made to the charity of ones choice.