Benjamin Stachewicz

ROTTERDAM - Benjamin W. Stachewicz, Jr., 82, passed away at his home surrounded by his family on Sunday December 3, 2023 after a short illness. A lifelong resident of Rotterdam, Ben was born on October 6, 1941 to Benjamin M. and Jane (Stryjek) Stachewicz. His parents instilled in him a love for the important things in life: family, honesty, integrity, and a strong work ethic. Ben grew up with an appreciation and love of the outdoors, and together with his parents and several aunts and uncles, his family built a camp on Sacandaga Lake, where they spent time swimming, fishing, boating and waterskiing. Ben would later share this love of the water with his wife and daughters. He

was in Draper High School’s class of 1959, and joined the Navy Reserves after high school, later becoming an assistant manager at Safeway Market in Rotterdam and Glens Falls, NY. In 1963, Ben applied for an apprenticeship with the General Electric Co., in Schenectady; he remained employed there as a steamfitter/plumber for nearly 35 years until his retirement. Ben met the love of his life, Helene Borysewicz, in 1961; the two were married in September 1962. In less than a decade, they had three daughters, who meant the world to them. Ben taught his girls how to snowmobile, waterski, and garden; he also shared with them his love for reading, games, and simply how to enjoy life, even if just by quietly reflecting. After his daughters left the nest, Ben and Helene traveled extensively within the US, visiting friends and family across the country. They also frequented several of the Caribbean Islands and Mexico with close friends. Ben and Helene were also members of the Rotterdam Elks for a period of time. Ben had a lifelong love of classic and fast cars, and would often attend car shows with Helene and his grandsons. Papa Ben treasured his time with all of his grandchildren and often took care of them while their daughters worked. He never failed to entertain them with stories of his own childhood. Ben was also anxiously awaiting the birth of his first great-granddaughter, Sophie, soon to arrive in mid-December. He also catered to his dog, Allie Rose, who rarely left his side. Ben will always be remembered for his quiet strength. He was a dedicated husband, father, and grandfather who used his knowledge, energy and life experiences to develop character in his children and grandchildren. He was predeceased by his parents, Benjamin M. and Jane Stachewicz; his sister and brother-in-law, Barbara and Peter Kovacs; son-in-law Kevin Curry; a sister-in-law, and beloved aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

He is survived by his wife, Helene; his children, Darlene (Kevin) Stott; Karen (Tim Decker) Curry; Rachel (Angel) Rodriguez; grandchildren Meghan (Bill Halloran) and Lauren (Kyle Dunster) Alexander; David and Benjamin (his namesake) Andrews; Annie and Alex Rodriguez; as well as his Aunt Martha Kernozek, and beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, sisters-in-law, and devoted friends, among them his lifetime friend, Roger Peugh.

Memorial calling hours will be held on Wednesday, December 13th from 10 to 11am at Our Lady Queen of Peace, 210 Princetown Road, Rotterdam, NY 12306, followed by a Funeral Mass at 11am. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Benjamin’s name to Our Lady Queen of Peace, City Mission (425 Hamilton St., Schenectady, NY 12305) or Hospice and Palliative Care Association (119 Washington Ave., Suite 302, Albany, NY 12210). Arrangements by DeMarco-Stone Funeral Home, Rotterdam. Condolences can be posted at demarcostonefuneralhome.com.