Benjamin Franklin Reece

BENJAMIN FRANKLIN REECE, JR., 75, died in his New Philadelphia home on Thursday, May 16, 2002. Ben was born in Cleveland on April 18, 1927 to the late Benjamin F. and Helen B. Seigrest Reece. He graduated from Rocky River High School in 1945. From 1945 to 1950, Ben served honorably with the U.S. Navy during both the Second World War and the Korean conflict. Following his military service, he attended Fenn College in Cleveland. Ben owned and operated Adelphia Heating & Cooling in New Philadelphia for fifteen years. He was the first master counselor of Rocky River chapter of the Order of DeMolay and was a holder of the Chevalier Degree and Legion of Honor Degree. Ben served as District Deputy Governor of the 2nd District of the Order of DeMolay and was a former Chief Radio Officer for the Cuyahoga County R.A.C.E.S. Additionally, Ben was a member of Rocky River Lodge #703, F. & A. M., River Chapter #517, Order of the Eastern Star, the Scottish Rite, Valley of Cleveland, the Al Koran Temple of Cleveland and the Al Koran mariners. Ben was also a member of the Tuscarawas Shrine Club, the National Rifle Association, member and past-president of New Philadelphia’s Emmanuel Lutheran Church Council and a life-member of Packers Post #505 of the American Legion. He is survived by his wife, DiAnne A. Carpenter Reece, whom he married February 2, 1974; children, Thomas (Pam) Reece of Lakewood, Barbara Reece of Cleveland, Nancy (David) Griffith of Worthington, KY and Patti (Gary) Willett of West Salem, OH; step-children, Kim (Ray) Sherrell of New Philadelphia, Lori (Jeff) White of Athens, Tod (Kathy) Lewis of New Philadelphia, Ruth (Tom) Burton of Dover and Andy Lewis of New Philadelphia; 5 grandchildren, 17 step-grandchildren and 6 step-great grandchildren. In addition to his parents, his first wife, Rhea E. Josselyn Reece of Cleveland, his brother, Glenn Reece of Ft. Myers, FL and a step-grandson, Drew Lewis White, preceded Ben in death. Visitation will be Monday, May 20, 2002 from 1:00 to 2:00 PM in Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 202 E. High Ave. in New Philadelphia. A celebration of Ben’s life will follow at 2:00, with Pastor Michael E. Walters officiating. Immediately following the celebration, a reception will be given in the church. The graveside committal will be on Tuesday, May 21, 2002 at 11:00 in Sunset Memorial Gardens, North Olmsted. Contributions to the Emmanuel Church 175th Anniversary Fund, c/o Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 202 E. High Ave., New Philadelphia, OH 44663 or to Hospice of Tuscarawas County, 201 E. 3rd St., Dover, OH 44622 have been encouraged.