Benjamin L. Bertok

VIENNA TOWNSHIP - Benjamin L. Bertok, 78, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his entire family, Saturday afternoon, Feb. 11, 2017, at Vibra Hospital of Mahoning Valley in Boardman.

Ben was born July 16, 1938, and graduated from Vienna High School (now known as Mathews High School) in 1956, and earned a bachelor's degree in Business Management from Youngstown State University. He established and operated several successful businesses throughout his life, including Republic Building Supply in Youngstown, which he co-owned with his son, Ben, before retiring in 2004.

Mr. Bertok brought immeasurable joy to his friends and family with his quick wit, unrestrained sense of humor, warm smile, gentle demeanor, contagious laugh, and incredible charisma. Ben was both an expert and a mentor in golf, trapshooting, and drag racing. He enjoyed spending time at the Vienna Fish & Game Club, where he helped others with trapshooting, and he loved being on the golf course and driving range, where he helped others better their game.

Ben will be deeply missed by his wife of 56 years, Norma Frew Bertok, whom he married June 18, 1960. Together they raised two children, Ben (Sally Schultz) Bertok of Canfield and Karen (Joe) Bouch of Canfield. Also left to cherish his memory are three grandchildren, Zachary Bertok, Angela Bouch, and Adam Bouch.

Family and friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 15, and from 10 to 11 a.m., Thursday, Feb. 16, at Kinnick Funeral Home, 477 N. Meridian Rd., Youngstown.

Funeral services will take place at 11 a.m., Thursday, at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery in Austintown.