Ben “Benedict” Mollica, of Niles
April 28, 1925 – Nov. 23, 2017
Niles Daily Star, Published 9:41 am Wednesday, November 29, 2017
Ben “Benedict” Mollica passed away suddenly on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 23, 2017, at the age of 92.
He was the third youngest in a family of 11 siblings born to Rosario and Nuncia Molica who migrated from Sicily, Italy and eventually settled in Niles, where Ben was born and grew up. He was drafted into the U.S. Army during World War II while still attending high school. The very next day after he was drafted, Congress passed a law they could no longer draft students who were still in high school. He served his military tour of duty in Hawaii as a staff sargeant, supplying parts to the troops to help end the war. He returned home after the war and married the love of his life, Wynne Bannister Molica.
Ben worked for the Studebaker Car Manufacturing Company located in South Bend, Indiana for several years until they downsized and moved to Canada before he moved his family to the Jackson area in 1955. He was employed by the Clark Equipment Company for a couple of years before becoming employed at Aeroquip Corporation, where he worked as a lab technician and later as a design engineer until early retirement in 1986.
Ben was preceded in death by his wife after 38 years of marriage, both of his parents and eight of his brothers and sisters (Nicolette McElroy, Philip Molica, Jenny Imus, Anthony Molica Sr., Henry Molica, Frank Molica, Mary Curtis and Robert Molica). He is survived by his daughter, Carole A. Loll (William) and son, Warren K. Molica, one brother, Alfred Molica and a sister, Fanny Probst.
He added an extra “L” to his last name legally because of mail mixup while living in Niles and for easier pronunciation. Ben was passionate about golf and worked for many years at the Ella Sharp Park Golf Course in the Starter House, as a Ranger, removing the golf course flags at day’s end, washing and putting away the golf carts, etc. It was here he formed many close friendships especially with Tommy Williams.
He loved to fix and repair things, especially replacing grips on golf clubs for other people. He was an active member and a deacon at First Presbyterian Church.
He was proud to be a grandfather to five grandsons: Craig Loll (Dolores), Andrew Loll Mellanie), Christian Molica (Tricia), Matthew Molica (Camilla) and Lt. Colonel, Nathan Molica (Veazey), great-grandfather to 13 children, a great, great grandfather to four grandchildren as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
He loved to play pool, work jigsaw puzzles and read books, especially religious ones. He enjoyed easy listening music, especially music sung by Nat King Cole.
He has been cremated with inurnment to be at Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorials to the Michigan Heart Association or Jackson’s First Presbyterian Church.
A memorial service has been planned for 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, 2017 at First Presbyterian Church, 743 W. Michigan Ave., with Reverend Dr. James D. Hegedus officiating. Visitation at 10 a.m. in the church’s Westminster Room.