Born December 4, 1941, died May 15, 2020 age 78 of Spring Hill Florida. Ben and his wife Marion of 45 years moved to Florida nine years ago from Mentor OH. Ben was born to Salvatore (Sam) and Carolina Pollice. He is survived by his wife Marion (Forcht), daughter Deborah Lynn Leo (Pollice) and her husband Ronald Leo of Chardon OH, and daughter Cara Marisa Gaboury (Pollice) and her husband Thomas E Gaboury Jr. of Franklin TN. Ben has an awesome granddaughter, Piper, age 15. Ben was preceded in death by, and the youngest of two sisters, Rose Husak and Josephine McLaughlin.
Ben was an Army veteran who served in Germany during the Berlin crisis and mapped the battle lines of conflict. Ben’s career encompassed traveling aroundthe world working in radioactive labs with Harshaw Chemical, graduating Magna Cum Laude from Cleveland State, and spoke four languages. He went on to build several businesses: telecommunications, building/remodeling, counseline radio ministry, Amway, and most notably the Northeastern Ohio Roundtable, a prelude to the model that Pat Roberston followed with Christian Coalition across the nation and 44 countries. This voter education work has brought the greatest pro-family leaders (true statesmen) this country has ever known. Pat said it best when he introduced us to George Bush Sr. stating, “Ben & Marion are the grandpa and grandma of this whole operation.” Ambassador Alan Keyes said, “Ben, you and Marion are my heroes and champions – no one has done what you’ve done for this country.” Ralph Reed, first executive director of the Christian Coalition said “During my time at the Christian Coalition and thereafter, Ben was one of the most dedicated and effective grassroots leaders in the nation. He built an infrastructure of churches, pastors and citizen-activists in Ohio that transformed the Buckeye State and helped transform America. I was blessed by his friendship and his dedication to God and country.”
Ben also taught Sales/Marketing at John Carroll University, has written a book called “Choices Change your Destiny”, written songs and poems, and developed games. His giftings have taken him to direct the development of homes for unwed mothers, also helped many with business portfolios and resumes, including chiropractic, hired ex-convicts, all contributing to our social welfare. It would take at least three more pages to list the unbelievably productive life Ben has lived! As Ben’s spouse I can attest that Ben has never met an individual he has not helped, especially silently when no words were spoken.
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