Benjamin was born (1917) in Philadelphia, he passed at home on December 04, 2022. He was raised by his grandmother Marcianna Kolaczinska (Chojnacka) and Ignatius Malecki on their farm near Perry, New York. Ben always had warm memories of life on the farm and of his teachers.

After two years at Syracuse University, Benjamin transferred to the United States Merchant Marine Academy. His first assignment was aboard the ship American Legion. In 1943, the ship sailed to Finland to evacuate Americans. One of the passengers, Eugenia Bartol, became his bride in 1946. Eugenia, his forever love, passed in 2009.

During World War II, Benjamin transferred to the US Navy and served as an engineering officer. He saw major action on D-Day at Omaha Beach and was present in Tokyo Bay for the Japanese surrender. After the war, Benjamin worked 31 years for the Detroit School Board of Education.

Benjamin lived by the following philosophies:
- Most people are good and will help you.
- Work hard with pride and be honest. If you try, you will be surprised how much you accomplish.
- A child's laugh and thoughts about the future are the best things in life.
- God takes care of people.

Benjamin and Eugenia's family includes:
- Children: Margaret (Charles) Kluka, Bolek (Debbie) & Thomas (Nancy) Kovacinski
- Grand-children: Elizabeth (Jack ), Matthew (Ellen), Kristen (Matt), Christopher, Michael, Rachel (fiancé Roberto), Kathryn (Shiva) and Stephen (Yasmeen)
- Great-grand-children: Emma, Kaley, Colton, Payton, Benjamin, Kelsey, Greg, & Sloan

Benjamin will be laid to rest at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly Michigan on Tuesday December 13, 2022.