Ben Pollzzie

Ben J. Pollzzie, age 89, a lifelong resident of Monroe, MI passed away suddenly on Thursday, November 6, 2008. Ben was born November 3, 1919 in Monroe the son of the late Roasario and Antonina (Terrasi) Pollzzie. Ben was a 1938 graduate of Monroe High School where he was the captain of the football team and received honorable mention on the all-state team. During WWII Ben enlisted in the US Navy where he served his country proudly as a Radioman 1st Class aboard the USS Mountrail serving in the South Pacific. On February 6, 1947 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Monroe, Ben married the former Josephine T. Bacarella. Ben was employed by Consolidated South Side Plant in Monroe for 40 years. He then went to work for Mercy Memorial Hospital, where he worked until his retirement in 1984. Ben was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church his entire life, his devotion and dedication to his church will be one of his greatest legacies. Ben was a Past President of The Holy Name Society, now the Knights of St. Joseph and worked tirelessly at St. Joseph Food Closet. Ben was a former Boy Scout Leader, and truly enjoyed working in his yard. Above all Ben enjoyed being with and providing strength and wisdom to his family. Ben is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years Josephine, 4 loving sons; Charles A. (Pam) of Orlando, FL, Anthony J. (Theresa) of Monroe, Ben W. (Yvonne) of Ann Arbor and Joseph S. of Indianapolis IN, 2 loving daughters; Nina M. (John) Gaynier and Margaret A. (David) Beste both of Carleton. 16 cherished grandchildren; Chris, Brian, Steve, Mike, Matt, J.P., Kristina, Nikki, Toni, Annemarie, Ben, Anthony, David, Nick, Marissa and Jake; 8 treasured great grandchildren; Nicole, Nina, Joe, Katie, Logan, Ahliyah, Ella and Addyson, and 5 sisters; Lena (John) Balk, Kathryn Babin, Mary Ochs, Angelina (Jim) Geno, and Jennie Bacarella all of Monroe. In addition to his parents, Ben was preceded in death by his sister Josephine Vadun and his brother Frank. Visitation will be held on Sunday from 12-8 PM in the Bacarella Funeral Home where the Rosary will be recited at 5:00 PM. On Monday, November 10, 2008 he will lie in state at St. St. Joseph Catholic Church in Monroe from 10:00 AM until Mass of the Resurrection celebrating his life at 11:00 AM. Interment services will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery where the VFW Post 1138 will conduct military honors. Memorial contribution may be made to St. Joseph Church, St. Joseph Food Closet or SMCC High School.