Bendetto "Ben" Mango

Bendetto “Ben” Mango, 98, passed away on October 18, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of love, resilience, hard work, and countless cherished memories.

Ben was born on October 2, 1928, in Columbus, Ohio, to Jesse Marie and Dominic Mango. One of six children, he is survived by his beloved brother, David Mango (Betty).

Ben met the love of his life, Stella Robertson, in Mansfield, Ohio, while working as a traveling salesman. He told his family that very same day, “I just met the girl I’m going to marry.” And he did. Together, Ben and Stella built a beautiful life and raised two daughters, Stephanie Jones and Kathie Smith (Ron). His family grew to include a beloved granddaughter, Stephanie Syrylo (Derek), and two great-grandchildren, Sloan and Callen, who brought overwhelming joy to his life.

A proud World War II Army veteran who served with the 82nd Airborne, Ben carried his service to his country with great pride. He was also a Mason and Shriner in his younger years. His guiding principles were simple and unwavering: God, family, and country.

Ben’s passion for the grocery business flourished when he and Stella became proud owners of three neighborhood stores. Their faith, hard work, dedication, and love for their community became the foundation of a business they cherished for decades. Ben worked closely with his son-in-law, Ron, and later watched with pride as Kathie and Ron opened their own IGA, continuing the family tradition.

Retirement, however, was never quite Ben’s style. After moving to Florida, he lasted just one month before declaring, “I don’t like retirement.” When the Ritz-Carlton Beach Resort in Naples needed a host for its beach restaurant, Ben applied, was hired, and became part of the team for the next 13 years. With his warmth, easy conversation, and open heart, he formed lifelong friendships with people from all corners of the globe.

Even after retiring a second time, Ben couldn’t resist returning to work when a friend needed a reliable employee at his beachside hot dog stand. Once again, Ben jumped in and enjoyed every minute.

Ben embraced life in all its beauty. He loved traveling with Stella and his family, golfing, reading, dancing, listening to music, playing cards, and sharing a good meal with friends. He especially enjoyed having a beer at a neighborhood dive bar, striking up conversations with strangers who rarely remained strangers for long. Saturday mornings spent with the Gulfcoast Veterans and friends were among his treasured routines. He appreciated the simple pleasures of life, the beauty of God’s creation, and the connections that made every day meaningful.

Ben was truly one of a kind. He was a wonderful listener, a trusted adviser, and a man whose knowledge and wisdom seemed endless. No matter what life brought his way, he faced it with remarkable strength and rarely complained, even when illness came. His beautiful smile and genuine warmth drew people to him, young and old alike. He touched countless lives and left an impression that will never be forgotten.

Not long ago, when asked the secret to his longevity, Ben offered a simple but powerful answer:

“You have to be resilient.”

Those words perfectly captured the man he was. Ben lived with determination, loved without reservation, worked with purpose, and met life’s challenges with unwavering strength. His legacy will live on through the family he adored, the friendships he nurtured, the community he served, and the many lives he made better simply by being himself.

Ben was deeply loved, and he will be missed more than words can express.

We love you so much, Ben. Thank you for everything.

To leave a special message or memory for the Mango family, please visit the Guestbook.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Newcomer Funeral Home, SW Chapel, 3393 Broadway, Grove City, Ohio (614-539-6166).