Joseph M. Benich 1929-2025

He was born July 17, 1929, in Newton Falls, son of Thomas and Mary Ribic Benich.

Joe, also known to many as “Babe,” was a lifelong resident of Newton Falls, graduating from Newton Falls High School in 1947. After graduation, he started full-time employment at Falls Steel and Tube in Newton Falls.

He enlisted into the United States Air Force on Dec. 29, 1950, and with 32 missions on a B-29, he proudly served our country during the Korean War. These missions are what his family and friends heard about often and will cherish forever. One of his most memorable moments was climbing to the summit of Mount Fuji while stationed in Japan.

After his return to civilian life, Joe returned home to his former employment as a mill operator at Falls Steel and Tube, where he retired after 46 years of employment. It was at work that he met his future wife, Lettie DeBolt, and on June 29, 1957, they were married.

In his younger years, Joe coached basketball at St. Mary and St. Joseph School. He was also a bingo caller for the parish’s weekly bingo games and a member of VFW Post 3332.

He enjoyed watching Cleveland sports and having coffee with friends. Favorite pastimes included planting his yearly garden and sharing the harvest with others, mowing the lawn and finding any other odd jobs to get himself involved in. He loved to stay busy; whether he was climbing a ladder or shoveling a neighbor’s driveway, he was always moving. Joe also loved spending time with family, especially having large family gatherings. Always a jokester, he loved pranking his grandkids. Some of his most memorable jokes included mashed potato ice cream cones and hiding money in walnut shells.

Precious memories will be carried on by the family whom he dearly loved: his children, Karen (Randy) Sarber, April (Greg) Calland, Brenda Benich, Darlene (John) Ripley and Joseph (Sherrie) Benich, all of Newton Falls; his grandchildren whom he adored, Kerri, Megan, Lindsay, Danielle, Alex, Carlee and Luke; his great-grandchildren, Maggie, Claire, Grant, Braesyn, Nolan, Cal, Leah and number eight on-the-way; and his many nieces and nephews.

Preceding Joseph in death were his beloved wife, Lettie, who passed Jan. 18, 2013; his parents; his sisters, Mary Jewell, Ann Wortman, Helen Braden, Marge Davis and Dorothy Windsor; and his brothers, George, Thomas and James Benich.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11 a.m. Friday, March 14, 2025, at St. Mary and St. Joseph Parish in Newton Falls, with the Rev. John Madden as celebrant.

Military honors will be provided by the United States Air Force and Newton Falls Veterans Honor Guard at Newton Township Cemetery, Newton Falls, where Joe will be laid to rest.

In lieu of calling hours, the family will be having a celebration of life following the funeral and burial, 1 p.m. Friday, March 14, 2025, at Amvets Post 112. Everyone is welcome to come share in the fellowship and their favorite memories of Joe.

Babe’s life touched many and his memory will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. May he rest in peace, knowing he was deeply loved and admired by all who were blessed to have him in their lives.

Please visit www.borowskimemorialhome.com to send condolences to the family.

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