Benjamin Gary DeMott, age 90, Poplar Hill Road, town of Sidney, passed away Nov. 30, 2023 in the early a.m. at Fox Hospital, Oneonta. He spent his final months being aided by his family at home; with the help of Helios Care.
Ben was born on July 10, 1933, in Masonville to Isaac Jay and Helen Claire O’Keefe DeMott, the youngest of nine children. He attended grade school in Masonville (where he was Vice President and Valedictorian of his sixth grade class) and graduated high school in 1951 from Sidney Central.
Following his school years, Ben was accepted into the toolmaking apprenticeship at Scintilla (now Amphenol) in 1951. He completed this trade obligation in 1956, at which time he entered the U.S. Marine Corps under the Critical Skills Act and completed active and inactive duty until his discharge in 1965. His length of service continued at Scintilla/Bendix until 1982, when he retired, at age 49.
In 1958, Ben married Katherine (Kay) Greene and from that union, they were blessed with three children (Philip, Lorna and Robert). During their nearly 66 year marriage, they both loved to be with their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They also enjoyed practicing and parading with the Binghamton Kazoo Band, becoming members of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, taking trips to Ireland (ten times for Ben), enjoying all things Irish at East Durham and spending summers at their cottage at Goose Bay. Ben made friends wherever he went.
Fun locally consisted of watching his kids, grandkids and great-grandkids pursue their sports’ activities in Sidney, Bainbridge and Cooperstown. He took such pride in each and every one of them, while they all pursued and accomplished good things in their academic and professional lives. A statement to their love for him, his entire family came to be with him during the past few weeks (including those from California and Seattle).
As a young man Ben played baseball on local adult teams (suffered a broken nose as a result). Golfing became his sport as he got older, which he liked, plus being with friends on the course. Hunting, fishing (mainly with his sons at the cottage) were fun times for Ben, as well.
He is predeceased by his mother and father and also eight siblings: William, Kit, Dick, Ken, Jeanne, Mary, Marty and Helen. Ben was always there for their children when they came to visit, and for family events. He is also predeceased by his son-in-law, Bruce Wilhelm.
Ben is survived by his wife, Katherine (Kay) Greene DeMott.
Also, survived by his three children:
Philip DeMott and his daughter, Clarissa and her children, Casey, Jonah and Alice and his son Travis (Laura) DeMott.
Lorna DeMott Wilhelm and her daughter, Kristin (Dan) Butler, their children, Kayleigh, Davis and Derek, and her son, Brett (Julia Doherty) Wilhelm.
Robert (Bridget) DeMott and their children, Olivia and Lucas DeMott.
He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews and friends. His love of Irish music resulted in friendships, both here and in Ireland.
There will be no services at this time, but a Celebration of Life is planned for January, fondly known as the “BENNY BASH.”
Memorial contributions in Ben’s name can be made to the charity of your choice.
Ben’s final care is being directed by Paul Mikeska at Aegis Cremation & Funeral Services, Binghamton.
