Jack “Ben” Elliott

03/06/2025

Beloved husband of the late Doreen W. (nee Wood) Elliott. Loving father of Elizabeth (Randy) Cook, Beverly (Richard Capogrosso) Elliott and John (Christine) Elliott. Loving grandfather of Ethan, Alexander, Rachael, Katherine, Samantha and Charlotte. Loving brother of William (Jane) Elliott. Survived by nieces and nephews. Ben was a long-standing member of Friends of Harmony. A memorial service will be held on Friday March 14, 2025 at 11am at Amherst Community Church, 77 Washington Highway Amherst, NY 14226. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to Friends of Harmony, 91 Chassin Ave. Amherst, NY 14226. Online condolences may be placed at www.TheDietrichFuneralHome.com

Ben was born in Westfield, PA, but 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.

Ben 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 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.

Ben 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 BPO 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, Ben 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 and will be deeply missed by his many life-long friends, business associates, and family.  Ben passed away peacefully on March 6, 2025 in Amherst surrounded by loved ones.  He was 86.

Ben 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 Ethan & Rachael Cook, Alex & Charlotte Capogrosso, and Katherine & Samantha Elliott, and many nieces and nephews.  He was pre-deceased by his beloved wife of 48 years, Doreen (Wood), whom he met at Amherst High School and with whom he built a rich life and legacy.