Benny DeFonce passes at 90

Harrison, NY – Benjamin A. DeFonce, a Harrison legend, passed away September 18, 2021, surrounded by his loving family. He was 90 years old. Ben was born March 23, 1931, to Salvatore & Sarah Marano DeFonce and was a lifelong Harrison resident who attended Harrison Schools, graduating from HHS in 1950.

Mr. Defonce attended the University of Miami and, when the Korean War broke out, he heard the call to service. Stationed at Camp Pendleton in California, where he served with the 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment and was sent to the front lines of the Korean War. He fought valiantly at Heartbreak Ridge where he was wounded trying to give help and support to his fellow marines. He was sent back to the front lines and was injured numerous times.

Due to his bravery, he was awarded two Purple Hearts and retired as a Corporal. He continued to support our military veterans, as the Veterans Services Officer of Harrison, and each year he directed Harrison’s Memorial and Veterans Day Parades. He always answered the call to service, helping fellow veterans receive their benefits. He collected donations for those in need and often drove local veterans to their doctors’ visits.

Mr. DeFonce served as a Republican District Leader for 65 years. A dry wall contractor by trade, he operated his business for many years in Harrison. He was actively involved with the American Legion and VFW and was also a member of the Giovanni Caboto Club and the Harrison Volunteer Fire Department. He was an original member of the “Lucky 13” Club and each year would proudly award the trophy to a Harrison High School football player in memory of two Harrison Korean War Veterans who died in the line of duty.

He also had a love of horses, working as a trainer at Yonkers, Roosevelt and other regional Raceways. Mr. DeFonce will always be known to many of us as a true hero and a champion who always shared his smile with all he met. He continued to serve his beloved community until very recently and he will always be a cherished member of the Town/Village of Harrison. He was a man of Faith, Family and Country and set a wonderful example for us all.

Mr. DeFonce was predeceased by his loving wife, Bernice Benedict DeFonce, and is survived by his devoted daughters, Sabrina Bengel and her husband Steve of New Bern NC, and Debbie Mazza and her husband John of Harrison, and his devoted companion of 30 years Betty Baaden. He is the cherished grandfather of, Buddy Bengel, Michael Mazza, Becky Bengel Estry and her husband Jonathan, Benji Mazza and his fiancé Lynnette Vega, and Sarah Mazza and great grandfather of, Emily, Eric and Everleigh Estry. Ben is also the brother of, Sal DeFonce Jr and the late, Michael DeFonce and Rose Shaver.

To honor Ben’s life, family and friends will gather on Thursday (Sept. 23) 4-8 p.m. at Coxe & Graziano Funeral Home, 767 E. Boston Post Rd, Mamaroneck, NY. Funeral Mass Friday (Sept. 24) 10 a.m. at St. Gregory the Great RC Church followed by entombment at St. Mary’s Cemetery. Memorial donations can be sent to The Independence Fund, www.independencefund.org in memory of Cpl DeFonce. For more information or to place an online condolence, www.coxeandgraziano.com.