WESTFIELD – Benjamin H. DiSanto, son of Albert and Mary (Boldini) DiSanto passed away peacefully on Friday, May 22, 2020 at Baystate Noble Hospital. Ben was born
in Providence RI in 1926. He was predeceased by his brother, Herbert DiSanto in 1978, and is survived by his sisters Claire DiSanto of St. Johns Creek, GA, and Josephine Collachio of Pompano Beach, FL. He is survived by his loving children, Michael and his wife Jenny, Thomas and his wife Cristine, Jane, Christopher, Jonathan and his wife Mary Anne and Sheila and her husband David, nine grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Ben was a graduate of Chester High School class of 1944. He enlisted in the Army and fought for his country in France with the Third Armored Division in World War II. Ben had a lifelong fondness of the hilltowns and had many stories he loved to share about his years spent there. Chester is where Ben met his beloved Elizabeth Forkey. They married and raised their six children in Westfield.
When his Elizabeth died after 40 years of marriage, Ben lost his joy. But when he reconnected by chance with his childhood sweetheart, Ruth Ebelt Salvini, they married and enjoyed many wonderful years together before Ruth passed away in 2017. Ben was a crane operator for Dan O’Connell and Sons for many years. He helped build numerous area bridges and worked on building the campus at UMass. He was a member of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 98. Later on, Ben worked at the Westfield Post Office for 15 years. He loved building things from furniture to cribbage boards, wooden fishing lures, and loved tinkering in his workshop. He could fix just about anything. Ben was an active member of a local cribbage league and also enjoyed playing at home with friends and family. Cod fishing and ice fishing brought him much joy. He especially loved fishing the brooks of the hilltowns. He had a reverence for nature and could often be found talking to and offering peanuts to the birds and chipmunks in his beloved backyard pavilion. The most important thing in life to Ben was his family. He relished the visits from his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He received much pleasure when everyone gathered for special events. He was a splendid cook, and when he made his Italian gravy, everyone was happy.
Ben’s family would like to thank the incredible staff at Baystate Noble Hospital for being so kind to all of us during his hospital stay. The nurses on 2North adored Ben and ensured his comfort. At a time when the world seems upside-down, these beautiful souls renewed our faith in humanity. All services are private and burial with military honors will be held at St. Mary’s Cemetery. The service will be streamed live on Wednesday starting at 10AM, by going to vimeo.com and search for Firtion Adams and select DiSanto service, the services will also be uploaded to www.firtionadams.com under Ben’s obituary. Donations in Ben’s name may be directed to the VA Central Western Massachusetts Healthcare System, 421 N. Main St. Leeds, MA 01053 or to the Baystate Noble Hospital, Comfort Care, 115 W. Silver St. Westfield, MA 01085. www.firtionadams.com
