Ben Witukiewicz

Ben Witukiewicz, affectionately known as “Big Ben,” passed peacefully on Friday, May 7, 2021 after an extended illness with Parkinson’s. His family was by his side in Lake Worth, FL. He was 74.

Ben was born in Michigan. He was a country boy at heart who enjoyed hunting, fishing, farming with his family, and raising livestock and Clydesdale horses. Ben graduated from Marysville High School in 1964 where he was an all-star athlete. In his senior year he was named to the football All-American team. Following high school, he attended Kent State University in Akron, Ohio on a full football scholarship where he excelled and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Health and Physical Education. Following graduation, he had a brief professional career in the Canadian Football League, and then began a fulfilling career as a high school teacher and football coach. In the interim, he earned a Master’s Degree from Eastern Michigan University in Health and Physical Education.

In 1968, Ben married the love of his life and college sweetheart, Fran Benedetto. To this happy union was born three beautiful daughters. Ben was indeed a loving family man who found joy in boating, hunting, grilling, playing cards, and spending time with family whenever possible.

During his educational career, “Coach”, as he was called by his students and players, was a passionate teacher, an inspirational coach, a mentor, and a friend. He led by example and was fair. If you had the privilege of playing for Coach or being taught by him, you remember the man as one who taught you the importance of hard work, accountability, and most of all, teamwork… characteristics that would pave the way for success for the rest of your life. Coach took immense pride in the life accomplishments of his players and students. After retirement from teaching and coaching in St. Clair County, Michigan, he pursued a lifelong passion of building custom styled homes.

Ben was preceded in death by his parents Ben and Cecelia Witukiewicz. He was survived by his devoted wife, Fran Witukiewicz; Children: Jill Jolley and her husband Samuel Jolley III; Karla Witukiewicz; Deena Krobot and her husband Jon Krobot; Grandson Brandon Jolley; Sister Mary Chapman and her husband James Chapman; Niece and Nephews Kelly McFeely, Jimmy Chapman, and Brooke Chapman; along with many other relatives and friends. Donations in memory of Ben can be made to The Assistance Fund at www.tafcares.org Please share memories about Big Ben at www.allcounty.com