Jack Ben Elliott, known as Ben Elliott, 86, of Amherst, died March 6, 2025.
Born in Westfield, Pennsylvania, he moved to Amherst as a child with his parents, Jack and Gertrude, and his brother, Bill, and remained there most of his life. He was an alumnus of Amherst Central High School, the University of Michigan School of Engineering, and the University of Buffalo, where he obtained his MBA. He was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity at Michigan.
Mr. Elliott was commissioned as a reserve officer ensign, Civil Engineering Corps, in the United States Navy in 1961, and served aboard the Willow Grove Naval Air Station outside of Philadelphia as a lieutenant junior grade for two years before returning to Amherst to apply his naval engineering experience to the family business, JP Elliott Associates. A professional engineer, he spent the remainder of his career in that business, retiring in 2008, and developed close ties with many of the major industries and manufacturers in the Buffalo Niagara Falls area and beyond.
He discovered his love of music early and pursued it his entire life, from his days playing the clarinet in the Tigertown Six semi-professionally in high school through his nearly two decades in the Friends of Harmony Men’s Barbershop Chorus, an a capella group in which he sang baritone. He especially loved jazz and classical music and attending Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra concerts, and the house was always filled with music, song and harmonies. He had a curious mind and a love for American history, science, travel and family.
Despite living with health challenges later in life, Mr. Elliott never lost his sense of humor or purpose and continued to bring joy and laughter into the lives of all who met him until his final days. He found the good in every situation and person he met.
He is survived by his three children, Elizabeth (Randy) Cook, Beverly (Richard Capogrosso) Elliott, and John (Christine) Elliott; his brother, William A. Elliott; his six grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife of 48 years, Doreen (Wood), whom he met at Amherst High School and with whom he built a rich life and legacy.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, March 14, at Amherst Community Church, 77 Washington Highway Amherst. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to Friends of Harmony, 91 Chassin Ave., Amherst, NY 14226. Online condolences at www.TheDietrichFuneralHome.com.