Benjamin B. McDonnell, age 89 of Millville, NJ, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on Tuesday, November 15, 2016.
Born in Millville to the late Ralph McDonnell and Edna (Barnes) McDonnell, he was a lifelong resident of Millville.
He graduated from Millville Senior High School in 1944 and was President of his class. After graduating high school, Ben served in the United States Navy during WWII.Ben was a member of the Masonic Evening Star Lodge #97.Ben had a 39 year career in the glass sand industry. He began as a lab technician and worked his way to Plant Manager, a position he held for 9 years at US Silica in Newport, NJ.
Ben was an avid outdoorsman and especially enjoyed his time fishing on the Delaware Bay with his dear friend, Joe Pierce.He was physically active, enjoyed weight lifting and working in the yard, taking great pride in his rose garden. He thoroughly enjoyed watching the Philadelphia Eagles and the Philadelphia Phillies.
After he retired, he and his wife Joan started their own antique business. They enjoyed traveling to Florida, buying and selling antiques for 17 years. He also enjoyed refinishing furniture.
Ben and his wife started dancing in 1999 at the Oasis Ballroom in Mullica Hill. They looked forward to dancing every Saturday night and spending time with folks who became family. They formed a lasting friendship with Janice and Mert Gardner. At age 79, Ben took drum lessons from Mert and became a great drummer.
He always left the house nicely dressed, shoes shined, and wearing polo cologne. He was very outgoing and could strike up a conversation with a complete stranger. Ben had a zest for life and lived it to its fullest. He was always thinking of others. Ben was known for his homemade cranberry sauce, banana cake, chicken pot pie and vegetable soup.
He was predeceased by his mother Edna and father Ralph, son Benjamin, sister Verna McDonnell Corson McGonigal.
He is survived by his loving wife of over 60 years, Joan Crowley McDonnell. She was the best wife and caregiver anyone could hope for. She was his strength.
Ben was extremely proud of the accomplishments of his children and grand children. He is survived by his daughter, Sherry McDonnell Arnes and partner Cheryl Nunes, Florida. Daughter, Kim Bittle Erwin and her husband Tim, Millville. Daughter, Tammy McDonnell Sparagna and her husband Timothy, Millville. Son, Mark McDonnell, Florida.
Grandchildren, Melissa Abbott and James Arnes, Florida. Jamie Bittle-Morey and her husband Thomas, Alison T. Bittle (Thomas Deckman), Leslie DiAmore and her husband David, all of Millville. Timothy D. Sparagna, Jr. Grande Isle, Louisiana.
He is also survived by great grandchildren, Edward Abbott IV, Nicholas Arnes, Thomas Morey and Matthew D. DiAmore.
He is survived by many cousins, nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank the healthcare professionals, family and neighbors, for their endless love and support. A celebration of Ben's life will be held at Barr Funeral Home, 2104 E. Main Street, Millville, NJ at Noon on Monday, November 21. Visitation will be from 10 am – Noon. Pastor Jonathan Merki will be officiating. Burial will follow at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Benjamin may be made to: Church of the Nazarene, 2201 E. Main St. Millville, NJ or to Journey Hospice, 6712 Washington Ave, Suite 201, Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08234