Benedict "Ben" Brendel

Benedict "Ben" B. Brendel, 79, of Ridgway, passed into his eternal rest in Heaven on September 5, 2025, at his home, surrounded by his loving family, following a battle with a rare form of blood cancer.

He was born on February 15, 1946, in St. Marys, PA, a son of the late George and Eileen (Hoffman) Brendel.

On September 9, 1967, Ben married the love of his life, Sandra (Vidmar) Brendel, at St. Leo Magnus Catholic Church. Over their 57 years of marriage, they shared an everlasting love while building a beautiful family and life together.

Ben graduated from Elk County Christian High School in 1964 and served in the United States Army Reserves from 1965 to 1971. He was employed by United Parcel Service (UPS) for 32 years as a package delivery driver and, predominantly, a feeder doubles semi-trailer truck driver. During his career at UPS, Ben earned the prestigious "Circle of Honor" award for 25+ years of safe driving. He also represented the Teamsters Union as a local union steward.

A long-time member of St. Leo Magnus Catholic Church, Ben was also active in various local clubs such as the Ridgway YMCA and the American Legion. Over the years, he represented his community in numerous ways, including proudly serving as president of the Ridgway, Johnsonburg, and Wilcox Military Honor Detail for 24 years, leading the Boot Jack truck bypass litter pickup for 30 years, and participating in several motorcycle dice runs for local charities.

Ben was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. His family, whom he loved deeply and supported unwaveringly, meant the world to him. Ben was often heard speaking proudly of his children and grandchildren. To his family, he was a symbol of love, integrity, honor, and great strength. He was also known for the tender care he gave his dear wife, Sandy, during her declining health over the years.

When not caring for his family, Ben could be found working hard around his property, tending to his lawn or garden. Other times he would be at the YMCA, in the early mornings, working out and socializing with his good friends, especially Dave Giovanini, Ron Myers, and many others. Ben also enjoyed watching Fox Business News, biking along Rails to Trails, taking Sandy on shopping trips, and riding his Harley Davidson with his pals, especially his best friend, Jerry Meyer.

Ben always looked forward to visiting his children and grandchildren in San Diego, CA. When given the opportunity, he especially enjoyed watching Mitchell play baseball and Vanessa play soccer. You could often hear him sharing pearls of wisdom with his grandchildren or giving them big bear hugs followed by a kiss on their foreheads.

Ben is survived by his two children, Darrin Brendel and Julie Gardner, both of San Diego, CA; his two grandchildren, Mitchell Gardner and Vanessa Gardner of San Diego, CA; his four brothers, Jerome Brendel (DuBois), Dave Brendel (Ridgway), Michael Brendel (Santa Fe, NM), and Steven (Tricia) Brendel (Wilcox); his sister, Georgianne Bauer (Ridgway); and a sister-in-law, Sandy (John) Brendel (Burnell, FL). He is also survived by two sisters-in-law, Georgetta Bishop (Pittsfield) and Teresa (Paul) Clark (Fairfield), and a brother-in-law, Luke Streich (Ridgway). Additionally, he is survived by many nieces and nephews, especially Connie (Chris) Zaffino (Warren) and his Godchild, Ann (John) Weis (Jacksonville, NC).

In addition to his wife and parents, Ben was preceded in death by his sister, Elizabeth Brendel; his brother, John Brendel; his niece, Ellie Brendel; his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Rosella and Fred Streich; his sister-in-law in infancy, Susan Streich; and his nephew, Joe Fitch.

A Brief Prayer Service for Ben will be celebrated on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at 11:00 AM in St. Leo Magnus Catholic Church, 111 depot Street, Ridgway, PA 15853, with Fr. Justin Pino officiating.

Immediately following the Prayer Service, Military honors will be accorded by the Ridgway, Johnsonburg, and Wilcox Burial Detail.

Family and friends are invited to a lunch following the military honors in the St. Leo Church Social Hall.

Interment will be at St. Leo Magnus Catholic Cemetery Mausoleum.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Ridgway YMCA, 34 N Broad St, Ridgway, PA 15853 or the American Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Blood Cancer United ' Donor Services ' PO Box 98011, Washington, DC 20090-8011.

Krise Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 130 Center Street, Ridgway, PA 15853 is handling the arrangements and online condolences may be offered to the family at www.krisefuneralhome.com.