Benjamin E. Lepore

Benjamin Emanuel Lepore, 86, of Millburn, Forked River and Manahawkin, NJ,  passed away on June 14th, 2024, after being surrounded by his family in the hospital.

Ben was born at home in Millburn, NJ, on January 27th, 1938, to Emanuel and Rose Lepore. He was the youngest of four children, and a spoiled only son, beloved by sisters Josephine, Ermelinda and Esther.

He lost his mother very young, and spent the rest of his childhood with his sister Josephine, her husband, Tony, and his nieces, Mary Ann and Rosalie, creating a bond to last a lifetime and beyond. They can tell you many stories about his antics, like race car driving and midnight calls from the hospital, much funnier now than then!

Ben earned his GED while in the army, and was stationed in Germany. Later, he owned and operated Ben Lepore Trucking Company, and retired as a longtime employee of the township of Millburn.

Ben is now with his beautiful and cherished daughter, Rosemarie. We find comfort knowing they are together again.

He has had many happy years with his partner, Barbara Bate, where they shared many happy travels, cruising in Hawaii, Alaska and the Amazon, but were happiest closer to home, in Atlantic City. You could find Ben at the blackjack table, and of course, the buffet. Ben loved the water. His home is on a lagoon, and he was a boat owner for many years. He has instilled this joy in nieces, nephews, greats and grands who adored him. We are happiest at the beach, because the beach is synonymous with our Uncle Ben.

He loved Spaghetti Night at the Italian-American Club, and could point out the best delis, bakeries and steakhouses around. You could often find him tinkering in the back shed. However, there was nothing Ben loved more than his family. 

Ben was predeceased by his daughter, Rosemarie Lepore; his parents, Emanuel and Rose Lepore; sisters and brothers-in-law, Josephine and Anthony Bonelli, Ermelinda and Philip Abbondandolo, and Esther and John Slonczewski; and his great niece, Samantha Burkart.

He is survived by his partner, Barbara Bate, and his many nieces and nephews, including Mary Ann McGee (Robert) and Rosalie Bonelli; “greats,” Colin Burkart, Melanie Fasino, (Jeffrey) Robert McGee (Jacqueline), and Joseph McGee (Christina); and beloved “great greats,”  Dominic Fasino, Eloise and Calen McGee, and Jack and Cooper McGee.

Ben touched many lives, and we welcome you to his services.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 18, 2024 from from 3 to 7pm, at Barnegat Funeral Home, 841 W Bay Ave, Barnegat, NJ. Mass offered Wednesday, 10:00 AM at St. Mary’s Church, 747 W. Bay Ave, Barnegat, NJ. Interment will be on Thursday, 6/20, at St. Rose of Lima Cemetery, 50 Short Hills Ave, Short Hills, NJ. The procession will proceed from Barnegat Funeral Home that morning at 9am.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Stafford Township, NJ Emergency Medical Services in memorial of our beloved Uncle Ben.

(www.BarnegatFH.com)

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