Benjamin Eugene GiaQuinta

Benjamin GiaQuinta, the “Gentleman Legislator,” and our dad, died surrounded by his six children on Sunday, July 11, 2010. Dad is now with Mom, Helen Kelly GiaQuinta, and together they will continue to inspire and comfort their children and grandchildren just as they did in life. Ben was born on November 8, 1922, in Brockton, Mass. His parents, Rose and Eugenio, immigrated from Vizini, Sicily, to the country they taught their son Biaggio (Benjamin) to love and serve. Dad’s father died when he was only 8 so he was raised by his two sisters, Gina and Jenny, who preceded him in death. Brockton was a tough shoe town and Benny, gentle as an adult, grew up learning to use his fists. Dad and his neighbor and best friend, Rocky Marciano, would frequently brawl in the park. Dad said he often finished fights that Rocky started. The two of them co-captained Brockton’s state champion football team. Dad was drafted and trained in Fort Swift, Texas before shipping out around September, 1944 as part of the 407th of the 102nd Army. During the Nazi offensive in late 1944, dad and his company fought valiantly on the north flank of the infamous Battle of the Bulge. He suffered severe frostbite and was hospitalized in early 1945 before returning to his unit to disarm fleeing German soldiers as they crawled from the Elbe River. Dad came to Fort Wayne in 1946 to work for a driving school. One of his students, Helen, became his wife of almost 60 years. Dad and Mom moved south to Baton Rouge where dad received his degree from LSU but the intolerance of the deep South convinced them to move home to Fort Wayne. Dad was very proud of his profession as a Realtor. He is in the Fort Wayne Realtor Hall of Fame and was named Realtor of the Year. It was not uncommon for him to quietly give part of his commission to a young couple to purchase furniture for their first home. Along the way, Ben and Helen raised their family of 6 children in the three bedroom home on Pembroke Lane where Dad stayed until the stairs became too much for him last year. The kitchen in that house has many stories to tell. It was there that Dad decided to run for Wayne Township Board and for a seat in the Legislature. Dad got his best advice, political and otherwise, from Mom but he had help from all of his children. Ben served in the Legislature because he loved doing for others. Not political by nature, he would often say, “You catch more flies with honey than you do with vinegar!” It became difficult to say “Ben” without adding, “Helen” as the two of them were a team. He would be a bit embarrassed by all the attention given his passing but very proud of the City he worked hard to improve. He received loving care from his children and their spouses, especially Susyn GiaQuinta but he took the greatest comfort from his strong Catholic faith. He received many honors and awards, including the Sagamore of the Wabash. Flags will fly at half mast this week-end to honor this humble man. He is survived by his daughters, Peggy (Tom) Strang, Mary (Mark) Derheimer, and sons, Mark (Susyn), Michael (Lisa), Ben (Mary), and State Representative Philip GiaQuinta. Grandchildren are Sarah and Abigail Strang, Katy(Greg) Chandler, Thomas (fiancee’ Erin) Strang; Samuel, Eric (Amanda), and Andrew Derheimer; Leah (Dr. Daniel) Williams, Dr. Tony (Dr. Sara Rich, fiancée), Olivia, Marah and Emma GiaQuinta; Kelsey Hardt, K’Lee Brooks; Benjamin and Michael GiaQuinta. Dad loved his nieces and nephews from the Kellys, Stills and Dolans and David Rudden, Gina's son. Mass of Christian Resurrection 10:00am Saturday, July 17, 2010 at St John the Baptist Catholic Church, 4500 Fairfield Ave., with calling 1 hr prior to Mass. Visitation is 1-9pm Friday at Klaehn, Fahl & Melton Winchester Rd Chapel, 6424 Winchester Rd. In Iieu of flowers, preferred memorials to Parkview Hospice, Cancer Services of NE Indiana or Ft Wayne Community Schools Scholarship College Fund. www.klaehnfahlmeltonfunerals.com