Joseph Michael Benich, 95, of Newton Falls, Ohio, entered eternal life on Monday, March 10, 2025 at UH Portage Medical Center in Ravenna, Ohio. He was born on July 17, 1929 in Newton Falls, son of Thomas and Mary Ribic Benich. 

Joe, also known to many as “Babe,” was a lifelong resident of Newton Falls, graduating from Newton Falls High School in 1947. After graduation, he started full-time employment at Falls Steel and Tube in Newton Falls. He enlisted into the United States Air Force on December 29, 1950, and with 32 missions on a B-29, he proudly served our country during the Korean War. These missions are what his family and friends heard about often and will cherish forever. One of his most memorable moments was climbing to the summit of Mount Fuji while stationed in Japan. After his return to civilian life, Joe returned home to his former employment as a mill operator at Falls Steel and Tube, where he retired from after 46 years of employment. It was at work that he met his future wife, Lettie DeBolt, and on June 29, 1957 they were married.

In his younger years, Joe coached basketball at St. Mary and St. Joseph School. He was also a bingo caller for the parish’s weekly bingo games and a member of the VFW Post #3332. He enjoyed watching Cleveland sports and having coffee with friends. Favorite pastimes included planting his yearly garden and sharing the harvest with others, mowing the lawn, and finding any other odd jobs to get himself involved in. He loved to stay busy, whether he was climbing a ladder or shoveling a neighbor’s driveway, he was always moving. Joe also loved spending time with family, especially having large family gatherings. Always a jokster, he loved pranking his grandkids. Some of his most memorable jokes included, mashed potato ice cream cones and hiding money in walnut shells.

Precious memories will be carried on by the family that he dearly loved, his children, Karen (Randy) Sarber, April (Greg) Calland, Brenda Benich, Darlene (John) Ripley, and Joseph (Sherrie) Benich all of Newton Falls; his grandchildren that he adored, Kerri, Megan, Lindsay, Danielle, Alex, Carlee, and Luke; his great grandchildren, Maggie, Claire, Grant, Braesyn, Nolan, Cal, Leah, and number eight -on- the- way; and his many nieces and nephews.

Preceding Joseph in death are his beloved wife, Lettie, who passed on January 18, 2013; his parents; his sisters, Mary Jewell, Ann Wortman, Helen Braden, Marge Davis, and Dorothy Windsor; and his brothers, George, Thomas, and James Benich.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, March 14, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at the St. Mary and St. Joseph Parish in Newton Falls, Ohio with Rev. John Madden as celebrant.

Military honors will be provided by the United States Air Force and Newton Falls Veterans Honor Guard at Newton Township Cemetery in Newton Falls where Joe will be laid to rest. In lieu of calling hours, the family will be having a Celebration of Life following the funeral and burial at 1:00 p.m. at Amvets Post #112. Everyone is welcome to come share fellowship and their favorite memories of Joe.

Babe’s life touched many, and his memory will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.  May he rest in peace, knowing he was deeply loved and admired by all who were blessed to have him in their lives.