Benjamin Hand, Jr.

Benjamin Jr. was born to the late Benjamin Sr. and Amanda Hand on March 20, 1930 in Passaic, New Jersey. Ben was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Barbara, his parents: Benjamin Sr. and Amanda, his siblings: Mack (Rosamae) Mathis, Lorraine (Lafayette) Green, Walter (Verdell) Hand, Vivian (Robert) Roberts, Robert (Elizabeth) Hand.  He is survived by his younger sister, Doris (Coy) McCain of Newport, North Carolina. 

As a Youth, the family moved to Harlem, New York where Benjamin Jr. shined the shoes of movie star Gene Autrey.  Upon returning back to New Jersey he learned how to swim in the Passiac river and later saved his younger brother Walter from a pond.  Junior (Ben) truly loved his siblings and family.

He met his soulmate and love of his life Barbara, while attending a dance in Delawanna, NJ and during their courtship they often ice skated and swam together. They were united in marriage on December 14, 1947 and spent 70 wonderful years together. From this union, they bore three children.

Ben and Barbara were introduced to the spiritual Truths of Jehovah’s Witnesses by Barbara’s oldest sister, Elizabeth Johnson. Ben and Barbara were baptized on January 16, 1958 in Englewood, New Jersey. They enlightened and aided people to “The Truth” which yielded many to become baptized.

Ben worked as a long-distance tractor trailer driver for several trucking companies, which included Telleri Trucking where he served as a Teamsters union representative as well as Trinity/Stone Bag Company before retiring in 1995.  Of course, everyone knew Ben could not sit still after retiring.  He was a people person, a great talker, and loved sharing stories, so he chose to work part time for AmVets in Laurel, Maryland and loved it.

Ben had several things he enjoyed during his life experiences: One of his favorites was being a comedian telling hilarious jokes, mentoring/sharing words of encouragement and wisdom on surviving everyday challenges based on the spiritual Truths of Jehovah.  He also loved music (Dinah Washington was his favorite artist), playing Bid Whist and playing pool. He really enjoyed all those delicious home cooked meals from Barbara. His personality made him popular in several cities in New Jersey; Paterson, Passaic, Newark and Elizabeth to name a few.

He leaves to mourn his devoted children:  Steven (Dale) Hand, Sheila (Noel) Downer, Sabrina (Ronald) Bell, Gail (Bill) Lawson. His Grandchildren:  Eric (Vanessa) Hand, John West, Jr., Justin Hand; Great-Grandchildren: Sabir Hand, Makeda (Geoffrey) Miller, Al-Nasir Hand; Great-Great Grandchildren: Isaiah Miller, Nimah Miller, Naila Hand; his sister Doris (Coy) McCain, and a host of many nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

Ben’s kindness, love of spiritual wisdom, and humor, will forever live in Ben and Barbara’s “Golden Special Memories” for all of those fortunate enough to have known this special couple and the many lives they touched each and every day.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Charity of your choice.

Private Family Viewing

Order of Service 

Memorial Service…. Sat. Jan. 29, 2022 at 12 Noon

Zoom Link:     814-1625-5531 Password: 013583

Opening song No. 139….” See Yourself When All Is New” (Rev. 21:1-5)                                                                          

Opening Prayer……………..Bro. Davontay Coates

Reading of the Obituary….Bro. Davontay Coates

Funeral Discourse…….Bro. Michael Skowronski

Closing song No. 140…”Life Without End At Last”  (John 3:16)

Closing Prayer……………....…Bro. Norman Scites