In Memory of

Benjamin

Kielbasa

Obituary for Benjamin Kielbasa





Benjamin Kielbasa, age 103, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on October 20th, 2018. Ben was born on April 20th, 1915 in Elizabeth, NJ to Francis and Stefania Kielbasa.

Ben was a World War II Veteran, serving as a Key Punch Operator with the 20th Machine Records Unit during the Mediterranean Theater of Operations and European Theater of Operations. Serving honorably from March 1941 to August 1945, Ben was stationed in Germany, Italy, and France.

Before and after his time in the army, Ben worked for Central Railroad of New Jersey as a payroll clerk. He was also a bartender for several decades at the Grotto in Kenilworth, Midtown Tavern and Parkway Bowl in Roselle Park, and the Cranford Hotel. He was a crossing guard in Roselle Park for 15 years, always handing out gum and candy to the students of Sherman School.

He was also an avid Yankees fan and enjoyed playing harmonica.

Ben is survived by his wife of 72 years, Elizabeth, and 4 children, Susan Lammerding and husband Richard, Benjamin Kielbasa, Karl Kielbasa, and Laura Masterson and husband Michael. He is also survived by 13 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by seven siblings and his son Richard.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 25th from 6PM to 8PM at Mastapeter Funeral Home, 400 Faitoute Avenue in Roselle Park. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Father Hudson House at http://www.cfhh.org/donate.html.