HERKIMER-Mr. Benjamin A. Mroz, of Woodview Drive, town of Herkimer, passed away on Monday morning, October 5, 2009 in Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital, Cooperstown. He was born on May 20, 1948 in Ilion, son of the late Benjamin W. and Etta (Hall) Mroz and attended Albany State College and also SUNY Canton. Ben entered into military service with the United States Air Force on November of 1969, serving three years in Italy and was honorably discharged on June of 1972. On July 15, 1972 he was united in marriage with Florence Cugliandro in St. Joseph’s Church, Herkimer enjoying a union of 37 years. The couple has resided in East Herkimer since 1985. Ben was employed with Bostwick-Braun Hardware Wholesale Company as a sales rep and owned and operated his own brush company. He was a communicant of Sts. Anthony and Joseph Church, Herkimer. A dedicated father, husband, brother and grandfather, Ben was a man with strong family values. The needs of his loved ones always came before his own and he valued the times he spent in the presence of each and every one of them. “Papa” as Ben was affectionately known by his grandchildren kept his three grandchildren close to his heart and cherished the memories he shared with them. Ben will be immensley missed by all who knew him. Other than being a family man, he also enjoyed playing golf. Survivors include his loving family; his wife of 37 years: Florence; a son and daughter in law: Matthew P. and Melinda Mroz of Pittsburgh, PA; a daughter and son in law: Elizabeth Freed and husband David of Mohawk; a brother and sister in law: Ronald and Anna Mroz of Whitesboro; a sister: Kay Ciletti and husband Tony of Frankfort; a sister in law: Judy Mroz of Mohawk; three grandchildren: Matthew and Madison Mroz and Caleb Freed; many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. He was preceded in death by his brother William “Bill” Mroz. The family will be present in the Enea Family Funeral Home, 220 N. Washington St., Herkimer on Wednesday, October 7, 2009 from 5-7 p.m. to receive relatives and friends. Mr. Mroz’s funeral will commence at 9:30 am on Thursday, October 8 from the chapel of the funeral home where prayer will be offered and at 10 am from Sts. Anthony and Joseph Church, S. Main Street, Herkimer where his Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by the Rev. Anthony Ligato, pastor. Interment will take place privately. Please omit floral offerings. In memory of Mr. Mroz, kindly consider contributions to the American Lung Association or to Herkimer County Humane Society.