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Benjamin Zitko "Benzy" Rathbone
Benjamin Zitko "Benzy" Rathbone
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Benjamin Rathbone Obituary
BENJAMIN ZITKO "BENZY"
Died March 18, 2003, in Canonsburg Hospital, surviving are his wife, Loretta; and two daughters, Jessica and Emily. Visitation at the SALANDRA FUNERAL SERVICE, 304 West Pike St., Canonsburg 724-745-8120 on Thursday, 2-9pm. Funeral mass on Friday, 10am at Holy Rosary Church, Muse, PA. Interment will be private.
Please sign the guest book at post-gazette.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Wayne and Heidi Golob
April 4, 2003
Dear Mrs. Rathbone and Family, We were shocked and saddened to see Benzy`s obituary in the Prosveta. What a tremendous loss to you all and to the world of polka music. When we think of Benzy, the word "respect" comes to mind, for he most certainly was highly respected by his peers and his fans. I will never forget seeing Benzy playing his button accordion for the first time in Herminie in 1968, and what an inspiration it was to me as another young musician. And then, finally meeting Benzy in 1970 at SNPJ and jamming with him. We played 8 hours straight that day! And I came away even more determined to be a musician. Thank you, Benzy,for all that and for the memories. May Benzy`s memory be eternal!
Michael Debbie & Kristen Taylor
March 30, 2003
Mrs. Rathbone,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time of great sadness.
Kathy and Steve Casar
March 22, 2003
Dear Lori, Jessica, and Emily,
Words cannot express our sadness at your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Benzy was not only an excellent musician and teacher, but a kind and gentle man.
We will never forget him.
Love,
Kathy and Steve Casar
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Bob and Rachel Eckels
March 20, 2003
Mrs. Rathbone and Family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Our prayers and thoughts go out to You and Your Family during this difficult time.
Bob and Rachel Eckels
Wallie Pedeski Polinski
March 20, 2003
Lori:
You have my deepest sympathy.
I'll always remember the Polka Masses and the dances.
You and your daughters are in my prayers.
Love,
Wallie P.
Ed Gould
March 19, 2003
My thoughts and prayers go out to the wife and children of Benzy. He touched the lives of so many people through his music. I will always remember his helpfulness, thoughtfulness and the things he taught me musically. He was my inspiration to play polka music, as my father and uncle used to take me to listen and learn from the "Master" of the accordion. He will be missed but not forgotten.
Mike & Janet Cushma
March 19, 2003
To an outstanding man, husband, father, friend, mentor & musician who will be deeply missed by all.
He will remain in our hearts and forever be remembered. We thank God for blessing us with his friendship and love.
Benzy can now play his music with Pecon and Bass and all the other musicians who have gone before him that he truly loved.
May Benzy be in eternal peace and oneness with the Lord.
X0 X0 X0 X0 X0 X0 X0 X0 X0 X0 X0 X0
Robert & Linda Ciesielski
March 19, 2003
Dear Mrs. Rathbone,
We extend our deepest sympathy for your loss. You will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Bob, Linda, Sara and Marissa Ciesielski
Larry Placek
March 19, 2003
Another great musician and friend moves on to Polka Heaven. Benzy you will be truely missed in many ways. Every time I pick up my button box I'll think of You. Our prayers are with Lory, Jessica, and Emily.
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