Grandfather of five, father of two, graduate of Old Orchard Beach High School and Dalhousie University, Ben was a dedicated husband and father, active volunteer, lifeguard, bouncer, football legend, Marine combat veteran, fisherman, and all-around boat rocker.
His many friends will miss his wry wit, straight talk, and warm and gentle way with children. In addition to being a pinball wizard and skee-ball champion, Ben gave generously of his time to serve his community, his country, and those in need.
Ben had a long career in media sales, retiring from the Cape Cod Times in 2012. He enjoyed athletics and the performing arts, supporting both as a participant, coach, and volunteer. Children’s theater and youth soccer programs, the Red Cross, Trout Unlimited, the March of Dimes, Barnstable Association for Recreational Shellfishing, and Libby Memorial Library were favorite causes.
Despite having lived elsewhere for over 40 years, Old Orchard Beach was always home. He and his wife Pamela first met there in the 1950s, and moved home from Centerville, Massachusetts in 2014.
He was predeceased by his parents, Bernard W. and June Emery, and nephew Michael Hall, and is survived by his wife Pamela; children Ellenor and Michael Barish (Somerville, Massachusetts) and Travis and Elizabeth Emery (Portland, Maine); niece Kelli-Lynne Hall (Yorktown, Virginia) and her children Malia and Noah; nephews Matthew and Taylor Hunter; grandchildren Max, Anna, Mae, Luke, and Jesse; and sister Rosalie Heart (Virginia Beach, Virginia).
A celebration of his rich and varied life will be held at 4 p.m. Monday, Aug. 14, 2017 at Dennett, Craig, and Pate Funeral Home, 365 Main St., Saco, Maine with visiting hours preceding the service from 2 to 4 p.m. Proudly providing service to our Veterans with Honor.
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