Mr Ben Ross Curtis Jr

 Ben’s Meaningful Life 

Ben Ross Curtis, Jr. was born on February 26, 1947 in Chicago, Illinois to Magnolia Roberts and Ben Ross Curtis, Sr.

Ben was educated in the Chicago public school system, attending John D. Shoop Elementary School and Morgan Park High school.  In March 1966, Ben enlisted in the US Army. He was a paratrooper, serving two tours of duty in Vietnam and earning the American Air Medal for heroic action during an aerial flight.

In his first marriage, Ben had two sons, Brett Vean and Damon Ross. In 1974, Ben met the love of his life, Lynda Cohen. They married in 1976 and remained in a committed, loving union for nearly 46 years. In 1987, Ben and Lynda had his only daughter, Bryana Lynn (his “little one”).

After his military service, Ben worked at the Chevron Refinery in Richmond, CA for many years, but he returned to school to pursue his true passion, serving others. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Social Work and Master’s degree in Public Administration from Cal State Hayward.  His public service career began in Contra Costa County and concluded in 2009 when he retired from Solano County. As a Substance Abuse Therapist and Clinical Services Associate, Ben touched the lives of his clients and coworkers alike, and after retirement he continued to be available for anyone who needed his help.

Ben was very active and rode his bike at least 10 miles on a Saturday morning along the bay trails, and he proudly ran the Bay to Breakers several times.

Ben was preceded in death by his mother, Magnolia Roberts, father, Ben Ross Curtis, Sr., his sisters Sarah, Florence, Patricia, Rosemary, and Barbara, and his brother Sonny.  He leaves to cherish his memory, his loving wife Lynda, his sons Brett and Damon (Kelley), daughter-in-law Veronica, and his devoted daughter Bryana Lynn.  He also leaves behind his six grandchildren, Samantha, Asmara, Arianna, Joshua, Jacob and Parker, his sisters Dicey Dorsey and Magnolia Grey, his bothers Donald Curtis, Sr. (Sandy), John Bess (Vanessa) and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and so many close friends who have become “family”.

Ben touched so many with his fun loving spirit and his jokester ways, and if you are with us today in body or thought, then we know you will always keep a part of him near your heart.

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