Del Ben

Del Ben, Michael Victor ~ peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, at the St. Catharines General Hospital on Thursday, February 5, 2009 at the age of 89. Devoted and beloved husband of 68 years to Helen Del Ben. Cherished and much loved father of Arlene. Very proud grandfather of Tyler, Jordyn, Tawnya and Tamara. Predeceased by 4 brothers and 1 sister. Mike will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by several nieces, nephews and friends and by his "good buddies" Tiki and Mucci. Mike arrived from Italy at 8 years of age and was raised by his father, brothers and sister in Toronto. At the age of 16 he started to learn the trade of plastering in Toronto. In 1941 he brought his artistic talent of plastering to the Niagara Region. In 1947 he started his construction company, M. Del Ben Construction, building homes in the Niagara area. In the 1960's he formed a new company, Gorge Holdings Inc. that served commercial and industrial developments throughout Ontario. Mike, in 1978 developed the Old Stone Inn located in Niagara Falls. Stricken with illness in 1984, Mike's continuous determination gave him the strength to battle the challenges he faced. His family was his life, especially his grandchildren whom he was very proud of. He was a great mentor and his force will always be felt. Mike was a member of the St. Catharines Council #1394, and a member of Monsignor Morris Assembly #0864, 4th Degree. A special and sincere thank you to Dr. Ralph, Dr. Soliman, Dr. Martin, ICU at the St. Catharines General Hospital, to the caregivers' Kim and Clare and to his good friends Tony, John, Don and George. Also, thank you to Eva who was there for the family during this difficult time.