A. Benjamin Roenish, age 71, of Lockport passed away Sunday on January 23, 2011. He will always be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and friend to all who knew him.

Ben was born June 24, 1939 in Schenectady, NY to Albert and Charlotte (Johnson) Ronish. He grew up in Schenectady, where in January 1955 he attained the high honor of the Boy Scouts of America Eagle Scout Award. In 1957, he graduated from Mont Pleasant High School. Ben continued his education at Hudson Valley Community College and the University of Buffalo, majoring in engineering. After graduation, he went to work for the State of New York. He retired as an Engineer from the New York State Department of Parks and Recreation in 1994 after 34 years of service.

Ben served 30 years in the Coast Guard, retiring as a Senior Chief Petty Officer in 1990. In addition, he was actively involved for 20 years as a volunteer for the Niagara County Federal Credit Union. Ben was also a charter member and past president of the Armed Services Chief's Club in Buffalo, NY and a life member of the Navy Club #110 in Lockport, NY.

In 2000, Ben received a Dedicated Service Award from the Red Jacket Lodge #646 F & AM. This award is a distinguished honor given to individuals who have given service to the community. Ben served as an officer for the Red Jacket Lodge, and trustee on the Lockport Masonic Temple Board. In addition, Ben was a member of Angelus Chapter #559, Order of the Eastern Star where he was Patron in 1987 and 1992 and Grand Lecturer in 1992.

In addition to his loving wife of 21 years Marilyn Roenish, he is survived by two children, daughter Elizabeth (Rick) Rebadow, of Uniontown, OH, and son Douglas Roenish, of Scotia, NY; two brothers Roland Ronish (Stillwater, NY), Paul Ronish (Vermont), and his sister Jeanette Nigriny (Schenectady, NY); four step-children, Laura Kane, Lewis (Kathy) Kane, Pamela (Gary) Lipperman, Karen (Robert) Kiedrowski; two grandchildren Rachel and Grant Rebadow; four step-grandchildren Dana Lipperman, Douglas Kane, Megan Kane and Tyler Lipperman; and three great-grandchildren; and sister in-law Jean Gillings, along with many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of his live will be offered at 12:00 noon, Saturday March 5, 2011 at the First Baptist Church, 140 Genesee Streets, Lockport, New York. Following the service, there will be a luncheon held at the First Baptist Church for all who wish to attend. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association or Masonic Temple Association Memorial Fund.

Visitation

No prior visitation.

Services

A celebration of his live will be offered at 12:00 noon, Saturday March 5, 2011 at the First Baptist Church, 140 Genesee Street, Lockport, New York.