Benjamin Francis Mazzeo-83, of Northfield, passed away surrounded by his loving family on Tuesday, February 28th, 2017. His father was Frank Mazzeo, who came to America from Sicily in the early 1900’s. Ben attended St. Peter’s School and Pleasantville High School. He left high school during his junior year to join the United States Navy, where he served his country during the Korean War from 1950 to 1953 before receiving an honorable discharge. He met the love of his life Eleanor and were married in 1957. Together, they had three boys, Frank, Benjamin and Vincent. Ben began his career working at ACME Markets and then decided to go into business for himself. In 1959, Ben opened B.F. Mazzeo Fruit & Produce in Northfield. The success of B.F. Mazzeo in the early years wasn’t easy. Ben worked hard to make it a success, eventually growing into today’s retail specialty market and wholesale fruit and produce distributor. It was always Ben’s vision to have his family work in the business, and he was honored to have his sons Ben Jr. and Vince and his grandson Ben III join him as the 2nd and 3rd generations of B.F. Mazzeo. Ben always made it a centerpiece of his life to give back to the community – throughout the years, B.F. Mazzeo donated and contributed to many organizations, including the St. Gianna Beretta Molla (St. Bernadette’s) Annual Chicken Barbecue. Ben and Eleanor weren’t vacationers but enjoyed going out to dinner and to the casinos in Atlantic City. Ben was an active member of the Mainland Band Boosters during the 1970’s, where he served as president. He also honorably served on Northfield City Council for 18 years, including one year as Council President. He was an active member of Pleasantville Kiwanis helping with many fundraisers and was parish member of St. Gianni Beretta Molla and St. Bernadette’s of Northfield. Ben is survived by his wife of 59 years Eleanor; three sons Frank (Debbie), Benjamin (Marsha) and Vincent (Gerri). Ben is also survived by his twin brother Anthony (Marie) and sister Margie Giusetti; by his eight grandchildren (Ben, Joe (Juliann), Kelly (Chad), Kristen, Kami (Andrew), Amanda, Ted and Marisa) who all spent time working in their grandfather’s business. Ben is also survived by five great-grandchildren (Khloe, Isaac, Kamille, Joseph, Karoline) and another grandchild due on March 10th of this year. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday, March 6, 2017 at 10:00am in St. Gianna Beretta Molla (St. Bernadette’s) located at 1421 New Rd, Northfield, NJ 08225. Burial will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery in Mays Landing. Viewings will be held Sunday evening 6:00pm-9:00pm at Adam’s Perfect Funeral Home in Northfield, and then again Monday at 9:15am at the St. Gianna Beretta Molla (St. Bernadette’s) in Northfield. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Legion Post 295 at 232 W. Mill Road, Northfield, NJ 08225. Arrangements by and condolences at www.adams-perfect@comcast.net