Ben Fressola

Ben Fressola of Livingston passed away at home on January 6. He was born in Newark in 1929 to Lucy and James Fressola.

He graduated from Newark College of Engineering and worked as an electrical engineer at Automatic Switch Company in Florham Park for his entire career.

Ben met his wife, Barbara (Band), behind-the-scenes at Show Shop Theater Group in Newark. They married in 1955 and had four daughters. The family lived in East Hanover for more than 25 years. Ben was absolutely devoted to his family. They enjoyed many memorable vacations, including going to the Jersey shore, Expo ’67 in Montreal, The Thousand Islands and California. Ben and Barbara also journeyed to Florida and many of the western National Parks. For their 50th anniversary, they treated the entire family to a Caribbean cruise.

Ben also liked to volunteer and help people. He delivered Meals on Wheels for many years. Barbara and Ben moved to Livingston in 2010 and became members of St. Philomena Church, where he was a lector. Ben joined the Livingston Old Guard and served as the refreshment “Chef,” VP, and President. He also joined the Livingston AARP, served on its Board, and sang with the Livingtones.

Ben was predeceased by Barbara in 2014. He is survived by his daughters and their families: Nancy Fressola, Virginia Crossley (and husband Larry), Tricia Idrobo (and husband Carlos), and Cindy Fressola (and husband Matt Garber); and his grandchildren, Dana (and husband Mark), Stephanie (and husband Eric), Joseph, Dan, Marlena, Elisa, and Lucia; and great-granddaughter, Skylar.

The family will hold a Celebration of Life via Zoom on January 30, 2022. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Reeves-Reed Arboretum (www.reeves-reedarboretum.org), or to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (www.pancan.org).