Ben was born in Elizabeth, New Jersey and attended Union County College in Cranford, NJ before attending the University of Michigan as an Economics major. He obtained a Bachelor of Art degree and a Master of Art degree.
Ben worked as an engineer-surveyor for the engineering department of General Aniline and Film Company, now GAF, prior to his attendance to the University of Michigan. During the construction seasons while at U of M, he worked for the City of Ann Arbor as the Chief Inspector of Construction. Upon graduation from U of M, Ben worked in the Industrial Relations Division of the Grasselli Plant of GAF.
In 1950, Ben and his wife Joan, who died in 2013, became residents of Washington, DC. He worked in capacities ranging from Economist to chief executive in divisions and committees of the Congress of Industrial Organizations, then after the merger, in the American Federation of Labor. It was during this period that he also served on the National Appeal Board of Port and Vessel Security Programs administered by the U.S Coast guard, achieving the highest clearance for the United States Government. Ben was the Executive Director of the Joint Maritime Congress, a management institution representing owners of almost 100 percent of the U.S flag merchant marine. Upon retiring in 1978, Ben engaged as a part-time freelance consultant.
Ben was an owner and resident of Watergate West., Inc. since the building opened in 1969. He served on the Watergate West Board of directors since 1976, was the Vice President and Chairman of the Building and Grounds Committee in 1978-79 and President of the Cooperative for almost 30 years. He also had been a Member of the Board and President of the Four Freedoms Housing, Inc., a nationwide non-profit organization owning and operating modern housing and nursing homes for the elderly with facilities in Miami, Florida; Seattle, Washington; Detroit, Michigan; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Patterson, New Jersey.
A Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, April 18, 2018 at 11 AM at the Joseph E. Hagan Chapel of Joseph Gawler’s Sons 5130 Wisconsin Ave., NW, Washington, DC. A reception will be held at the funeral home immediately following the service.
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