Roy Ross Benjamin

Roy Ross Benjamin passed away peacefully on October 31, 2025, at the age of 92. A longtime resident of West Orange, New Jersey, Roy lived a full and remarkable life defined by intellect, creativity a d reinvention.
Born in New York City in 1933, after graduating from Columbia Law School he pivoted for the first time into a professional life in advertising, where his wit, vision, and charisma quickly set him apart. It was in that world that he met his first wife, Florence, with whom he shared many years and raised three sons. Together, they built both a family and a business-his own New York City advertising agency, Orbach and Benjamin.
In the mid-1980s the advertising agency shuttered. With a new wife and four college bound children to support Roy began a second career-one that would become his true calling. Following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather, he turned to real estate development, co-founding JP Affordable Housing. He dedicated himself to creating affordable housing for purchase in New Jersey's inner cities, driven by a passionate belief that the American Dream of home ownership should be within reach for everyone. His ability to blend business sense with social purpose reflected both his keen mind and his deep empathy.
Roy's personal life was just as vibrant. He was an avid reader-often devouring entire books in a single sitting. On any given sunny day he combined his two great passions, soaking up the sun and reading outside. If you stopped to sit with him he would be happy to share his third passion, pontificating, delivered with humor, conviction, and that unmistakable sparkle in his eye. He was known for his larger-than-life personality-breaking into song without warning, wielding a razor-sharp wit, and showing a fiery temper that only underscored the depth of his passion for life.
Roy is survived by his beloved wife of over 40 years, former Jersey City Art Teacher Patricia Toscano Benjamin; his sons Max Benjamin, Josh Benjamin and Geoff Benjamin Benjamin; his stepdaughter Alexis Hughes Magna; and his ten adored grandchildren. He was predeceased earlier this year by his first wife, Florence.
The hole left by Roy's passing will be felt deeply by all who knew and loved him. His legacy endures-in his family, in the housing he helped create, and in the countless lives touched by his humor, generosity, and unstoppable spirit.