Benjamin A. DiRienzo 1931-2025

Ben was born Jan. 28, 1931, in Lowellville, a son of the late John and Helen DiPaolo DiRienzo.

He graduated from East High School in 1949 and later from Youngstown University with a bachelor’s degree in engineering.

Ben worked for Republic Steel in Youngstown and in construction along with his brothers, Henry and John, building homes in the area. After graduating from college, he went to U.S. Steel, working in the engineering department for over 10 years, and became a general foreman at the Ohio Works, then a superintendent at McDonald Works. After the closing of U.S.Steel, he went to RMI Titanium in Ashtabula as a production superintendent, then as the sodium plant manager for several years before retiring to Poland.

Ben was a devoted and active member of the Christian community. He was a former member of Tabernacle United Presbyterian Church in Austintown and First Presbyterian Church in Ashtabula. In recent years, he was a member of Poland Presbyterian Church. Active throughout his church life, he served in such positions as deacon, elder, teacher and on numerous committees.

In the early 1970s, Ben served two terms as an Austintown Township trustee, contributing to the growth and development of the local community. He was also a proud member of the East High School Hall of Fame Committee and was inducted into the Hall of Fame for his excellence in baseball, a sport he loved and excelled in during his youth. Later he managed both Little League and Pony League teams in the community. He was also a member of the Austintown Optimist Club.

He led an active life enjoying golf, bowling, church softball and playing cards with friends. His passion for these activities brought him great joy and he cherished the friendships and camaraderie he found.

Ben’s legacy is marked by his service to his community, his dedication to his faith and his love of sports, all of which defined his vibrant and fulfilling life. Most importantly, however, even though he led a busy life, his motto was “When it comes to family, you find time for what matters most,” and he was always there for his family. We honor the moments, the lessons and our growth that came from him, and cherish our wonderful memories. His influence will continue as an inspiration to his family.

He is survived by three children, Dave (Claudia) DiRienzo of Canfield, Cindy (Don) Zimmermann of Poland and Doug (Maureen) DiRienzo of Hendersonville, North Carolina; seven grandchildren, Michael (Rose) DiRienzo, Michelle Guffey, Stacey (Kevin) Jackson, Kevin (Lesley) DeGenaro, John Zimmermann (Nicole Ramirez), Jaclyn (Drew) Farrar and Patrick (Nisan) Yee; 11 great-grandchildren, Ben, Addison, Austin, Jackson, Greer, Quinn, Reese, Lola, Roan, Aurelia and Atlas; and his sister-in-law, Norma DiRienzo of Austintown.

Besides his parents, Ben was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, the former Margaret “Peg” Hay, whom he married June 7, 1952, and who died Feb. 7, 2007; his two brothers, Henry (Jayne) DiRienzo and John DiRienzo; and a sister, Minerva DiRienzo.

A gathering to celebrate Ben’s life will be held sometime in the spring.

Arrangements are being handled by Cunningham-Becker Funeral Home, 270 N. Main Street in Poland. Please www.beckerobits.com to share memories and condolences with Benjamin’s family.

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