Benjamin Lacca

Lacca, Benjamin J. (85) of Penn Valley, PA passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on September 20, 2010, the AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center in Atlantic City, N.J. Known affectionately as "Benny" to his family and friends, he was born on November 23, 1924, and raised in South Philadelphia, the son of the late Josephine & John Lacca, who were immigrants from Sicily. Benny served with distinction in the 4th Marine District at Iwo Jima in World War II and was an undefeated boxer in his Marine Division. Benny was President of Eastern Electronics Distributors (EED) and an east coast distributor for Hitachi Electronics. Known as the mayor of South Philadelphia, it was said Benny's company installed every antenna in Philadelphia before the advent of cable. Benny was a distinguished past president of South Philly Lions Clubs (honored in 2002 for 50 years of service) and a valued member of the Sons of Italy, Triad Association and Rotary Club. Benny loved the beach and maintained homes in Ventnor City, NJ and Ft. Lauderdale, FL. A passionate traveler, he made his first transatlantic flight to Europe in 1952. The life of the party, he always enjoyed laughing, dancing and entertaining. Benny instilled a strong work ethic and nothing was more important that his wife and seven children (six girls and one boy), who he provided with the best private education. Benny is survived by his beautiful wife of 55 years, Mary (DiTullio); Children Darlene Lacca Iacoviello, Cindy Lacca Morris and her husband Andy, Phyllis Lacca, Joy Lacca Gottih and her husband Rachid Gottih, Maria Lacca, Gina Lacca D'Alessandro and her husband Marco, John Lacca and his wife Joanne Pepe Lacca; Sister Phyllis Lacca Giacchino and her husband Carmen / Sister Marie Lacca Turchi and her husband Anthony; His Loving grandchildren Gina and Michael Iacoviello / David, John, Mary & Benny Morris / Benny & Gianna Gottih / Maria & Christopher D'Alessandro / John & Joe Lacca and his great grandson Christian DeFhren. Benny was diagnosed with Alzheimer's in 2001. His devoted wife Mary took special care of her Benny the past nine years. Relatives and friends are invited to his VIEWING SATURDAY 9:30 A.M. until 11:15 A.M. at the Church of St. John Baptist Vianney, Youngsford Rd. and Rte. 23 (Conshohocken State Rd.) Gladwyne, PA 19035 followed by his Funeral Mass 11:30 A.M. Int. Holy Cross Cemetery, Yeadon, PA. In lieu of flowers, family requests contributions be made to the Alzheimer's Disease Assn., Delaware Valley Chapter, 399 Market Street, Suite 102, Phila. PA 19106.