Ben Laurenzo

Ben Laurenzo, 89, of Southwest Ranches, Florida went peacefully to heaven on the 10th of January 2018 to be with his predeceased family members that included his wife of 30 years, Millie Laurenzo. His loving family was by his side.

Ben was born in Schenectady, New York, on September 18, 1928, son of Achilles Laurenzo and Estherina Cassella.

From the beginning, life was always about family, whether at home or summers on the family farm, the focus was love and good food. Ben changed his birth certificate and enlisted in the U.S. Navy at the age of 16 serving on the oldest battleship in the fleet, the USS Arkansas. He then volunteered to help take the ship to Bikini Atoll and participated in the atomic bomb tests.

In 1951, Ben moved to South Florida and began a small retail and wholesale outlet in Miami with his family. After several years of working wholesale and Italian food sales, Ben began his retail business in 1964 and Laurenzo's Italian Market was born. The market became a landmark in North Miami Beach and will remain a testament to Ben's dedication and hard work. He always worked seven days a week because he loved what he did.

He is survived by his sister Esther Kirk, closest cousin Doran Jason, children Dona, David, Carol, Laura, Robert, and Danielle. Also survived by sons-in-law, Kevin Davis and Jimmy Torano, eleven grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and many cherished family members here and in Italy.

Services will be held at Fred Hunters Funeral Home, 6301 Taft St, Hollywood, 33024.

Visitation - Sunday, January 14, 2018 - 4 pm - 8 pm

Service & Entombment - Monday, January 15, 2018 - 11 am

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Ben's memory to the following charities:

Stand Up To Cancer - www.standuptocancer.org

Danny & Ron's Rescue - www.DannyRonsRescue.org