Benjamin David Marsh, age 25 of Edinboro, died at his parent’s home in Edinboro on Saturday, August 21, 2010 after battling with heart disease for many years. Born in Erie on January 15, 1985, he is the son of Harold Lloyd and Deborah A. Walter Marsh.
Ben was a fun-loving young man who enjoyed life despite enduring many health issues since his early childhood. After graduating from General McLane High School in 2003, he worked for several years at Country Fair in Waterford and also as a machine operator at a local shop until he was unable to continue working.
His many interests included fly fishing, riding four-wheelers, computer programming, and playing video games. He loved animals and enjoyed his large group of friends. Most of all, Ben loved being a dad. He was a dedicated father and considered parenting his son as his proudest accomplishment.
Ben is survived by his loving family including his parents, Harold and Deborah Marsh, his son Landon Xavier Marsh, and his sister Elizabeth R. “Libbie” Marsh, all of Edinboro; also, his paternal grandparents, Harold and Mina Marsh of Corry; three aunts, Sue Winkelbauer and her husband Jim of Waterford, Lynn Schneider and her husband Art of Cary, NC, and Rae Ellen Francis and her husband Bill of Durham, NC; his uncle Larry Marsh and his wife Laura of Rochester, NY; and five cousins.
He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, John and Helen Walter.
Friends may call at the Van Matre Family Funeral Home of Edinboro, 306 Erie Street, on Tuesday from 2-4 and 7-9pm. Funeral services will be there on Wednesday at 1:00pm officiated by Rev. Brian Kelly of McLane Church. Interment will follow at Pine Grove Cemetery in Corry.
Benny,
You made each and every one of us smile. I can’t stand the thought that you are gone, but I find peace in knowing that you have been laid to rest and are no longer suffering. You truely lived a long life with your condition, and I will miss you dearly. I met your son for the first time at your viewing, and he looks just like you; he is adorable and I am so proud of you. I will see you in Heaven, sweetie, and I can’t wait to smile together again. I love you with all of my heart. Rest in Peace, our dear friend.
Harold, Deb, & Libbie,
My heart cannot even express the sympathy I feel for all of you. I cannot imagine your sadness, but please know that none of you are alone. My heart breaks knowing that Ben is no longer in your lives as your son and brother, but I know that he will be the greatest angel that you could ask for. If you need anything, please contact us. Stay strong, and hold onto your faith. I love you all so very much.
Harold and Debbie:
I knew Ben as you know, he had that certain kind of something that everybody was looking for, rarely ever found and never seemed to get enough of. He was a pleasure to know even though he was fighting this battle with his heart, he still found so much love for all of man kind. I will miss my little friend, but I know he is in a better place. He will not be forgotten. Please remember that I am here for you should you ever need me. You are all in my prayers. God bless us everyone.
Mr.& Mrs. Marsh, Libby & other family members, We are sorry for the loss of your son and brother. We did not know Benny when he was growing up with all of his trials in life but we got to know him later on. Please take greatsolice knowing you raised a very fine young man. What we did see was aman of great compassion , kindness,love,caring,laughter,smiling & so many more good qualities that it was our pleasure to know him. God has his angel in heaven and you have his little angel hear with you.Our thoughts and prayers go to all who knew him.
Harold and Deb,
I am saddened to hear of Ben’s death. I still treasure our shared “church time” and marvel at God’s grace during those challenging times when Ben first encountered his health issues. You two were amazing, and I hope that you both find courage and strength in the coming days.
I have only been your neighbor for two so I didn’t really know Ben, just saying hello and small chat when he would say hello to me when I would come home. I know he leaves behind a part of him, your beautiful grandson. Please know that if you need anything, you have my number and I am only one door away.
Harold, Debbie and family,
So sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Ben was a great person and human being. God has added another angel to his Kingdom and he has a plan for Ben and you. Take peace in knowing Ben is safe.
God Bless
Pat and I are so saddened by your loss. We regret not having known him and his family. The passing of one so young, with so much to live for in raising his son, is one difficult question of life. If we can seek solice in the years with his family, remembering who he was and the legacy of his son it may ease some of the pain. God bless his soul and his loved ones left behind.
I used to ride the bus with Ben a LONG time ago. He was always so happy and that made a big impression on me. I was just thinking about him Friday when I drove past his old stop wondering how he was. We will pray for your family.
Ruth Baker
I’m so sorry to hear about Benny he was one of the kindest and sweetest men I know and the world wont be the same without him. I feel blessed to have had the chance to know him.
We will miss Ben! He was in our wedding 20 years ago, and we have fond memories of him. He was such a fine young man, and we are so glad that we knew him! He was indeed fortunate to be blessed with a loving family.
God bless!
David, Terry, and Lexi Ohler
Madison, Ohio
I am so sorry Marsh family and you and Benny will be in all of our thoughts and prayers.
So sorry to hear about Ben. I never had a chance to know him, but I can feel for all that are close to him. May he rest in peace.