Dr Benjamin Joseph "Ben" Podurgiel Jr.

Groton Long Point - Benjamin "Ben" Joseph Podurgiel, Jr. D.D.S., of Groton Long Point, passed peacefully in his sleep Oct. 26, 2024. Born at home in Jewett City, in 1936, he was the eldest child of Benjamin Podurgiel Sr. and Mary Kopowski Podurgiel.

Ben graduated from Griswold High School as Class president and continued his education at St. Joseph College in Philadelphia, where he served as a residence hall director. Ben studied dentistry at Temple University and graduated with a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 1961. Grateful for the ability to finish his education without interruption, Ben chose to serve as a dentist (rank of captain) at England Air Force Base in Louisiana from 1961 to 1964.

Ben returned to Connecticut, and opened a dental practice in Uncasville where he practiced dentistry for over 40 years. Dedicated to his patients' welfare, he was known for remembering personal interests and hobbies to personalize their care. On Halloween, instead of candy, Ben's home handed out toothbrushes.

In September 1958, during his studies in Philadelphia, Ben met Suzanne Wood who worked in the college bookstore. They were married in 1961, immediately following Ben's graduation from dental school. After their time in Louisiana, they returned to reside first in Uncasville, and then Norwich. They also spent summers in Groton Long Point beginning in 1967, enjoying many wonderful memories including playing competitive tennis. Ben was a passionate sports fan, with a love for the Red Sox and an avid gardener of herbs and vegetables, especially sun-gold tomatoes and lime basil.

Ben served as a Lector at St. Joseph Church in Norwich for many years before serving as a Minister of Communion to the Sick and Homebound at St. Mary Mother of the Redeemer Church in Groton. Ben was in the Knights of Columbus and served as the president of Montville Rotary including receiving the Paul Harris Fellow Award.

Ben is predeceased by his brother Dr. Bernard Podurgiel; his son Dr. Benjamin J. Podurgiel III; and his grandson Benjamin J. Podurgiel IV. He is survived by his sisters, Patricia (and James) Brown of Middlefield, and Sandra McCourt of Uncasville; his sister-in-law Nancy Podurgiel of Mount Pleasant, S.C.; his wife Suzanne Colette Podurgiel and their three children, Joseph (and Karen) Podurgiel of Mystic, Peter (and Kathleen) Podurgiel of Scituate, Mass., and Suzanne Podurgiel (and Jon Godshall) of Noank. He will be deeply missed by his seven grandchildren: Tegan Di Podurgiel, David Podurgiel (and his wife Emily), Emily Podurgiel, Benjamin J. Podurgiel V., Caroline Podurgiel, Helen Godshall and Lauren Podurgiel.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Monday, Nov. 4, at St. Mary Mother of the Redeemer Church, 69 Groton Long Point Road in Groton. Burial will follow at St. Michael Cemetery in Pawcatuck, with military honors. There are no calling hours for Ben.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you please direct memorial donations to The Haitian Health Foundation, 97 Sherman St., Norwich, CT 06360, or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude’s Place, Memphis, TN 38105. The Mystic Funeral Home is assisting the family.