Sebastian (Ben - Benny) Vittoria

Sebastian (Ben - Benny) Vittoria, 87, passed away on September 7, 2020. He was born in Newark, NJ to Stephen and Angelina Vittoria in 1932, and attended Barringer High School before enlisting in the United States Marine Corps in 1951.  He served in Korea, attaining the rank of Sergeant and never lost his Marine Corps spirit… "Once a Marine, always a Marine"; it was the creed he lived by.

Upon returning to civilian life he attended Drake College of Business earning a Degree in Accounting.  Ben worked for The Trust Company of Morris County as an auditor for several years followed by 35 years as Senior Loan Officer of Gibraltar Savings and Loan.

He married his high school sweetheart, Marie, in 1956 and they had amazing adventures traveling America's National Parks, regularly cruising the Caribbean, Canada, the Americas and Europe.  Several trips to Italy were Ben's favorite, including visiting the birth place of his parents.

Ben was an avid Yankees fan but absolutely loved his Giants football and Rangers hockey. He was a season ticket holder for decades and enjoyed every minute, especially the Giants’ Super Bowl wins and the Rangers’ Stanley Cup. 

He had a beautiful singing voice and was admired by all when he sang in church.  Ben loved all music from Big Band to The Grateful Dead.  He and Marie spent summer evenings on the beach in Point Pleasant enjoying concerts and even traveled to Florida to see Willie Nelson perform live. 

Ben was a past Commander of the New Jersey Chapter of the Disabled American Veterans, amputee division.  He was also a member of The Knights of Columbus, Casa Colombo and The American Legion, Post 140.

He had an amazing sense of humor as anyone who ever met him can tell you.  He would make you laugh by telling a joke, doing a magic trick, or his famous practical jokes, which included his Lou Costello impersonation up to and including signing Lou's autograph.

Ben showered his family and friends with kindness and love, always had a smile on his Face, and lived with joy in his heart.

 Following a Marine Corps Military Funeral Honor Ceremony, he was laid to rest at Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Wrightstown, NJ.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years Marie (Panico) Vittoria, his beloved daughter Donna Aurnhammer, and her husband Jack.

In lieu of flowers please send donations in his memory to Wounded Warrior Project, 

www.woundedwarriorproject.org or Disabled American Veterans, www.dav.org