Name: Visitation for Ben A. Di Iorio Jr.
Start: 2018-10-20T17:00:00.000Z
End: 2018-10-20T19:00:00.000Z
Location: Eannace Funeral Home, Inc. - Utica

Ben A. Di Iorio, Jr. 1931 - 2018
LAS VEGAS - The Word says that to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:8). On Tuesday, my father went to be with the Lord. His suffering is over. He will be greatly missed, and his family was blessed to have been with him for so long.
Ben Di Iorio passed away on October 9, 2018 in the comfort of his home with his loving family by his side. He was 87 years old. Born in Utica on July 10, 1931, he was the son of the late Dr. Benjamin A., Sr. and Jane (Olito) Di Iorio. He was a stellar athlete at Proctor High School who lettered in six sports including football, baseball, basketball, track, swimming, and handball.
Later, Ben had a full ride scholarship to Syracuse University to play football for the legendary Coach Ben Swartzwalder, but after the spring of his Freshman year he transferred to Wesleyan University. His track team was undefeated during his four years and was inducted into the Wesleyan University Sports Hall of Fame. On November 2, 1957, he married Elaine Mallas and from that union came the blessing of five children.
Ben was best known for his talents as a skeet shooter. Starting at age fourteen, he was a 10-time "All American" during the thirteen years he shot professionally. He retired from competing full time in 1958. In 1972 he was inducted into the Skeet and Trap Shooting Hall of Fame. In the mid 60s he opened the Golden Valley Gun Club in California. After the club was sold, he turned to his two favorite things: golf and Hawaii. He started Pacific Aloha Tours and for over forty years he chased his dream.
Ben is survived by his sons and daughters-in-law, Benjamin A. Di Iorio III and his son Benjamin IV; Gregory and Terry Di Iorio, and the cherished memory of their son Calvin Anthony who went to be in the company of Jesus alongside his Grandfather; Bradford and Kelly Di Iorio, and their children Perry and Cassandra; as well as his daughters and sons-in-law Tessa and Martin Ambrose, and their sons Gregory, Andrew, and Loren, and his youngest daughter Jamie and her husband Robert Stanton. He was predeceased by his sister, Barbara "Babs" Di Iorio.
Visitation will be held Saturday from 1:00-3:00 pm at the Eannace Funeral Home. Ben's funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Saturday afternoon at 3:00 pm at the funeral home immediately upon conclusion of visitation with Pastor Mike Servello Sr. of Redeemer Church officiating the ceremony. Committal prayers and Entombment will be held on Monday at 9:30 AM at Calvary Cemetery Mausoleum.
Online tributes available at www.EannaceFuneralHome.com.

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Published by The Observer-Dispatch from Oct. 18 to Oct. 19, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for Ben Iorio

Sponsored by Eannace Funeral Home, Inc. - Utica.

7 Entries

Scott Wartenberg

April 7, 2019

I knew Ben in the mid-'60's when he owned Golden Valley Gun Club. My grandfather, Ray Whitley, a famous B Western movie star and writer of Back in the Saddle Again, ran the pistol and rifle range up around the hill. Ben and Ray were good friends.

I remember going over to Ben and Elaine's house with Ray and Kay in my teens and having bbq'd frogs legs! Not my favorite, but very generous of your them to include me!

Once, while re-roofing or repairing a skeet house, my grandfather fell off the roof and broke his ankle!

One day, while at my grandparent's house, they got a call that Babs had died in a Corvette accident while dove hunting. They loved Babs and grieved for months over your dad's loss of his sister. She was such a sweetie!

He probably would never have remembered me after the '60's, but he was influential in my life, never-the-less. Spending time at Golden Valley Gun Club was one of my favorite boyhood memories.

I'm sorry for your loss, but am glad that I will see Ben again in Heaven.

michelle lynn natale baratta

October 20, 2018

On behalf of my father,Michael Natale, his long time friend and employee, my condolences.

Peter Caiola

October 20, 2018

sending our thoughts and prayers to the Di Iorio family.I will keep his memories close to heart.God Bless you Ben R.I.P

Cynthia Johnston

October 20, 2018

On behalf of my beloved grandma and grandpa, Nicholas and Catherine O'lite and our family we send our deepest condolences.

Richard DeFazio

October 20, 2018

I remember Ben as a great guy to have as a friend. With all the good looks and God given talent, Ben was always kind to his friends and willing to share. I recall riding in his car to a track meet in Watertown, NY. He, along with another good friend, Bob Marashian, ( who passed away this week in Utica,ny )always came in first place in the discuss and shot put events.
I still remember and long for those happy days at Proctor High.
Rest in peace good friend.
Dick DeFazio

October 19, 2018

Very fond memories of your Dad from his days in Utica and Thomas R. Proctor high school.
Deepest sympathy to all the family. RIP
Lucretia (Bonacci) Zongrone. (classmate)

Loretta Marks

October 19, 2018

Di Iorio Family. So sorry for your loss. I remember growing up with Ben and Babs and Doc and Jane both in Utica and California. Jr is now with the angels.

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