Benjamin Rodini

Benjamin Rodini, 98; Vocational EducatorBenjamin Rodini died Sat. Feb. 4 at the age of 98 in West Chester, PA. He was born in South Philadelphia to Italian immigrants Cesare Rodini and his wife Anna, and was the youngest of their five children.Despite his father’s death when he was five, Ben found his own direction in life. He trained as an auto mechanic following graduation from South Philadelphia High. He enlisted in the Army in 1942, graduated from Officer Candidate School, and spent the rest of the war leading a vehicle maintenance unit in France and Germany. He was trained to maintain a tank that carried a secret weapon at the time — a blinding searchlight — but the weapon was not needed or used. He still managed to win a bronze star for his service in Europe.Ben took advantage of every opportunity following the war. He enrolled in night school at the University of Pennsylvania and earned a bachelor’s degree in education to be followed by a master’s degree. He joined the Army Reserve to further serve his country. He started teaching automobile mechanics at Dobbins Vocational High School in North Philadelphia. This was the beginning of a long career in the Philadelphia School district with promotions to coordinator and vice principal. He finished his career as principal of Bok Vocational High School.Ben married his sweetheart Norma Sambuco during the war. Their marriage lasted 69 years until Norma’s death in 2013. They had three sons each of whom pursued a career in science and engineering. Ben and family moved to Havertown in 1956 where he became known as a Mr. Fixit. “My father, could fix or repair anything,” said his son Robert. “He was fearless when it came to home improvement projects. He repaired the neighbors’ cars gratis, until car technology changed in the 1990s.” In his later years, Ben retrofitted his house and became the primary caregiver for Norma who suffered from dementia. He was an active member of the Catholic War Veterans and was voted Veteran of the Year in 2002. A highlight of his life was his Honor Flight trip to Washington DC in 2013. Sitting in the front of the bus, he was astounded by the people, flags, and vehicles saluting the veterans from overpasses along I-95.Ben is survived by his children Benjamin Jr. (Mary Jane), Robert (Barbara), and David (Laurel), and his grandchildren Stephen, Laura, Joseph, Anthony, Jean, and Rachel.Relatives and friends are invited to his Viewing on Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 10:15 AM a.m. followed by his Funeral Mass at 10:30 AM at Sacred Heart Church, Shelbourne and Manoa Roads, Havertown, PA 19083. Interment to follow at St. Peter and Paul Cemetery, Springfield, Delaware County.Contributions may be made to Sacred Heart Church, 105 Wilson Ave, Havertown, PA 19083.