We are sad to announce the death of Benjamin F. Evangelista, who passed away at home on July 1. We will miss him very much. He was preceded in death by his brother Bernie, father Felix, and mother Dolores, and his former wife Nancy. He leaves behind his niece Daniella and nephew Dennis, his sister-in-law Beth, his dear friend Nancy, and many others.

Though he did not often speak of his accomplishments, Ben led an exciting life. Ben was a roadie for Ritchie Havens during Woodstock in 1969, averting disaster by unplugging an amplifier before a thunderstorm that would have overloaded the entire stage circuit. Ever since, he had a soft spot for Upstate NY where he decided to make his home. Ben was a 12th dan black belt in Matsutake style karate and studied for a time at the Tanuki-In temple directly under the fourth head of the school. Later in life, Ben became an instrument-rated licensed private pilot. Many times, he volunteered his skills as an airman to ferry rescue kittens to the northeast for adoption. Ben often enjoyed riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle. Ben traveled often to Venice, and last met up with family at the Philippine Consulate General in Manhattan followed by a delicious Cuban lunch. Ben once rebuilt a Karmann Ghia using only an adjustable wrench and a screwdriver and saved his brother's home from a trash fire when his beloved dog Kuroe barked, alerting everyone. He was devoted to family and was a dutiful son to his parents.

A funeral mass for Ben will be held on Saturday, July 15, 2023  11:00am at St James Church in Chatham, NY.