EAST HERKIMER: Benjamin P. "Dirt" Cristman, 23, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, January 4, 2014. Born in Ilion, NY on August 4, 1990, Ben was the son of Patrick and Denise (Tarnawa) Cristman. Raised and educated locally, he was a 2008 graduate of Herkimer High School and also graduated with a degree in welding from Herkimer BOCES. Ben was currently employed for Rock City Iron, Little Falls as a mechanic. He also worked at one time for Hillside Auto of Little Falls. In his leisure time, Ben enjoyed outdoor activites such as hunting, camping, fishing and 4-wheeling. He was an avid snowmobile racer and was known for "Dirty Boy Racing", but spending time with his family and friends was most important to him. He was a member of the East Herkimer Fish & Game Club. Ben is survived by his parents, Pat and Denise Cristman of East Herkimer; a sister, Mallory Cristman of East Herkimer; his paternal grandmother, Lois Cristman of East Herkimer; his maternal grandmother, Patricia Brake of Colorodo; several aunts and uncles, including William and Jane Cristman, Jr. of Syracuse, John and Pam Putch of Herkimer, Mike and Cheryl Cristman of Herkimer and Albie and Cathy Lowell of Herkimer; hiscousins, Justin, Shawn, Erica, Katelyn, Megan, Ryan all of Herkimer, Nicole and TJ of Colorado, and his canine co-pilot and companion, Junior. He was predeceased by his paternal grandfather, William Cristman; his maternal grandfather, Alfred Tarnawa, and a great aunt, Nora Holke. In lieu of floral arrangements, those wishing to express an act of kindness may make a donation to the Herkimer County Humane Society in Ben's memory; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. The family will receive friends and relatives at the Enea Family Funeral Home, 4309 Acme Road, Ilion (Town of Frankfort) on Wednesday, January 8, 2014 from 4:00-7:00 p.m. Ben's funeral service will take place immedialtey following calling hours at 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home and will be officiated by the Rev. Janet Gleason. Although Ben's calling hours will be taking place at our Ilion-Frankfort location, arrangements have been entrusted to the Enea Family Funeral Home, 220 N.Washington Street, Herkimer, NY (315)866-1011 and are under the supervision of Harry and Kevin Enea, Funeral Directors.