Mahlon "Ben" Benstead

Mahlon "Ben" Benstead, age 84, of Livonia, Michigan, passed away on Wednesday, May 28, 2025. Ben was born on May 19, 1941, to Mahlon and Florence Benstead in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. He grew up on the west side of Detroit.

He was the loving husband of Vivian. He is survived by his dear sister-in-law, Mary Zielinski, and brother-in-law, Jack (Nancy) Camilleri. He will be missed by his many special nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews, along with good friends and neighbors. Ben was preceded in passing by his parents and his sister, Dolores Benstead.

As a young man, Ben served in the National Guard during the Cuban Missile Crisis. As fate would have it, a chance seating arrangement brought Ben together with his future wife, Vivian. They married in 1970 and were together for 54 years.

Redford aluminum products was his company's business for 40 years. He took pride in his workmanship, with many satisfied customers. He always looked out for his employees, and he truly loved what he did. If he could have maintained his mobility, he would have worked right up to the end.

Ben was an avid bowler, playing in many leagues with many different friends through the years. He enjoyed watching sports, particularly football. At family and friend gatherings, football was the topic of conversation. He was a generous and caring man, and all will remember him for his humor and for being the eternal prankster.

A memorial mass will be held Wednesday, June 11, at 11:00 AM at St Edith Catholic Church, 15089 Newburgh Rd, Livonia, Michigan 48154. Friends and family are invited to gather at the church beginning at 10:00 AM.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Ben's memory may be made to St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Capuchin Soup Kitchen, or Tunnel to Towers Foundation.