Obituary of Benjamin Newton Frith

Benjamin Newton Frith, Jr., 87 of Sun City Center died Monday, July 27, 2009, after a long illness. . Ben was born on March 17, 1922 in Akron, Ohio, the son of Benjamin Newton and Lillian Powell Frith, and brother to Mildred. He married Mary Rosalie Kirby on February 18, 1942 in Baltimore, Maryland. She preceded him in death following 64 years of marriage. Ben was a career soldier starting with the Virginia National Guard in 1939 and served in combat operations in North Africa and Italy during WWII. He was awarded the Soldier's Medal in 1944 for heroism by risking his own life to save the lives of men in his platoon. He retired as a Sergeant Major in 1964. During his retirement years he was active in civic organizations in Port Charlotte and Sun City Center. Hobbies and leisure activities included reading good books, building and repairing clocks, computers, and listening to old mellow music. Survivors include his children (and spouses), Benjamin Newton (Laura) Frith, Camana Island, WA, Michael (Katherine) Frith, Dayton, OH, and Mary Ann (Ronald) Bass, Moline, IL; ten grandchildren, and 17 great grandchildren. Memorial service will be conducted at 10 am, Wednesday, August 5, 2009 at Sun City Center Funeral Home, Sun City Center, FL. Burial will be take place later date at Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, Florida.