Benjamin S. Preston
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Benjamin S Preston Jr of Bonita Beach FL, and longtime resident of Claymont DE, passed away peacefully on June 6 at the age of 90. Benny was born in Wilmington DE on Nov 2, 1930, to Benjamin S And Pearl (Vorous) Preston.
He was a 1949 graduate of Claymont High School, where he excelled at football, track, and harmonica. After serving his country in the Korean War, he worked for Diamond State Telephone for over 30 years, retiring in 1983 at the ripe old age of 54.
In 1956 Benny met Carolyn Jaggard. After a two-month courtship, they were married in Elkton MD on June 9, 1956. They remained in Claymont where they raised their 3 children. In 1972 Ben was bitten by the sailing bug after crewing on a trip to the Dry Tortugas. He spent many years sailing the Chesapeake Bay and knew every anchorage on the Eastern Shore. After retirement, he and Carolyn moved to Bonita Beach in 1983 and sailed the waters of Southwest FL, the Keys and the Bahamas for the next 30 years. They were longtime members of the Caloosahatchee Marching and Chowder Society, of which Ben was a past Commodore.
Ben is survived by his wife of 65 years Carolyn, his children Benny (Tricia) of Newark DE and Robin(Chris) of Jupiter FL, and 8 grandchildren(Karlee, Chrissy, Austin, Logan, Tyler, Cole, Shawn, and Cailah) and 10 great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his daughter Janice, brother Jimmy and sister Dot Howard.
Services will be private.
Benny certainly knew how to have a good time with friends and family. In his honor, take some time to gather with those you love and celebrate life.
To sign his guest register or to leave online condolences please visit www.ShikanyFuneralHome.com
Arrangements are being handled by Shikany's Bonita Funeral Home and Crematory Family Owned and Operated Since 1978.