Ben was born in Fairbanks Alaska to George & Vera Casalegno and was the third of six children. Shortly thereafter, they moved to Soquel California where he was raised on the Casalegno Family Farm and Country Store.
Ben graduated from Santa Cruz High School and later went to work at McClellan Air Force Base as a civilian employee. While working at McClellan he was introduced to his sweetheart, Dorothy, by Dorothy’s sister, Caroline, who worked with Ben at McClellan. In March 1943 Ben joined the United States Army Air Force. Ben and Dorothy were married ten months later in January 1944 and celebrated their 76th wedding anniversary together in 2020.
About a year after their marriage, Ben was deployed overseas during WWII to US occupied Japanese Islands where he worked on P-47 Thunderbolt Airplanes. After his honorable discharge, he went back to work at McClellan until he retired. Ben and Dorothy remained in the Sacramento and surrounding area where they raised 3 sons and 1 daughter.
Ben was dearly loved by all of his family and friends.
Ben was predeceased by his parents George and Vera, brothers Matthew, Frank, Bill and sister Loretta Szychowski. He is survived by his wife Dorothy Casalegno; sister Lucille Mogaard; 4 children – Dennis Casalegno (Sandy), Jim Casalegno, Bill Casalegno (Arleta) and Cheryl (Jeff); 8 Grandchildren – Lisa Myrick (Dale), Kim Daugherty, Chris Quandt (Emily), April Garringer (Josh), Allison Gennai (Bridger), Paige Casalegno, Michelle Voth (Aaron) and Amber Waltman (Ken); 9 Great Grandchildren and 6 Great-Great Grandchildren.
He will be laid to rest in the Court of Honor at Mt. Vernon Memorial Park and Mortuary in Fair Oaks, California on January 19, 2021.
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