NEW HARTFORD - Benjamin A. "Ben" Paoni age 84 of New Hartford, NY, passed away unexpectedly at the Presbyterian Home, Monday, March 31st, 2014. Ben was born on August 26th, 1929, the son of the late Peter and Stella (Scalise) Paoni. He was raised in Herkimer, New York and was the 2nd of 5 siblings. He leaves an older sister, Antoinette Paoni Lowe and husband John, residing in San Jose, Ca. a younger sister, Theresa Paoni Altieri residing in Utica, NY. A younger brother Peter Paoni and wife Hannelore, residing in Eastover, NC and the youngest, Anthony Paoni and wife Margaret residing in Scottsdale, Arizona. He leaves 8 nephews, John Lowe III, Chris Lowe, and Michael Paoni. Raymond, Andrew and Stephan Altieri and 3 nieces, Diane Lowe Thompson, Margie Lowe Isaacson and Lisa Paoni, David and DJ Paoni. Ben joined the Army at a young age. He was a proud member of the 17th Airborne Division and was stationed in Germany during the occupation. Ben was honorably discharged from the Army in 1949 and continued his military career by re-enlisting in the United States Air Force, retiring after 23 years service as a Senior Master Sergeant. Ben returned to his roots and settled in Herkimer as a Police Officer. He continued his civilian career working in the construction business. Ben married Regina English Paoni, July 19, 2002, with that marriage Ben welcomed a new family of four step children and ten step grandchildren and two step great grandchildren. Ben leaves his beloved wife Regina English Paoni as well as his loving step family, Dan (Cindy) English, Mary Ellen (Stan) Cehonski, Patti (Mark) Siegenthaler and Ruth Einfalt. Ben Leaves ten adoring grandchildren and two great grandchildren: Pam, Matt and Chris English, Valerie (Marty) Edwards and James Robert Cehonski, Amanda Zammiello (Fiancée Rob Harris) and Brenna Zammiello, Stephen, Nikki and Carly Einfalt. Hunter and Anderson Harris. Ben was a member of the American Legion Post 1376, a member of Laborers International of North America. He also was a Hospice Bereavement volunteer for many years. A special thanks to the wonderful staff at the Presbyterian Home. In lieu of flowers please donate to Hospice and Palliative Care of New Hartford in Ben's memory. The funeral will begin on Thursday at 9:00 AM at the Enea Family Funeral Home, 220 North Washington Street in Herkimer where prayer will be offered. A Funeral Mass will be Thursday, April 3rd at 9:30 am at St. Anthony/St. Josephs Church, 228 S. Main Street, Herkimer, celebrated by Rev. Terence Healy. Spring interment with full military honors will take place at the veteran's section of Oak Hill Cemetery in Herkimer. Calling hours are Wednesday, April 2nd from 5 pm - 7 pm at Enea Family Funeral Home, 220 N. Washington Street, Herkimer. Messages of sympathy can be shared at www.eneafamily.com. All funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Harry J. and Kevin E. Enea, of the Enea Family Funeral Home, 220 N. Washington St., Herkimer (866-1011). My Ode to my Uncle Ben My Uncle Ben, my God-Father was a man whom we all loved and cared about and when he was in better health, he always had a sense of humor and he was somebody that anyone could talk to. When I was a child, I always remember his energy and determination to be there for you and offer a joke. My Uncle Ben also served his country in the Army and Air Force and was proud of his service. One of my few models who were in the Armed Forces besides my Father Peter was my Uncle Ben. He taught me about life in the service of our country. He encouraged me and praised me for joining the Marines and was there with me in Spirit, when I was in Marine Corps boot camp and in Desert Shield/Storm. My Uncle was an Athlete also and was always able to offer his opinion about who the Jets would be playing on T.V. and talk about his own experiences on the gridiron. My Uncle Ben was honorable and he was a model for any young man willing to listen to him. I know in his later years, before he passed, he suffered in his mind and this changed his fabric of his behavior. One thing everyone needs to know is that my Uncle Ben, our Uncle, Brother, Cousin, and Friend is in Heaven. My Uncle's mind has been renewed as he is with our Lord. I know he was a blessing to others he touched as well as he was to me and my family. He would tell you to honor life as he has and remember that we are not promised a tomorrow, but if we believe in Jesus Christ as our Savior, we will have ever lasting life with our Father. We love you Uncle Ben, you're mind and body are now renewed. See you in Heaven. Your Nephew, Michael From his niece Lisa she writes: You were gentle and kind and had a good sense of humor. I loved you very much and enjoyed talking to you. You were special and I will miss you. I will never forget the visits, the calls and the notes from you and Aunt Regina, especially during my time of my illness. Your Niece, Lisa