Ben's Memory Wall
We encourage you to share your most beloved memories of Ben here, so that the family and other loved ones can always see it. Share your favorite stories or comment on those shared by others.
Like my sister, Kathryn (Spear) Malone, I, John Spear, spent many wonderful moments around the Yoccabozi family who always embraced me with kindness and love. Mr. Yoccabozi was a tireless, adventurous man whom I fondly remember and for whom I will pray daily, that his soul will find rest in heaven with God.
My wife, Mary and I, send our deepest condolences to the entire Yoccabozi family on your loss.
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John Spear
February 5th, 2019 at 12:00am
Mr. Yacobozzi was the kindest and gentlest neighbor. I spent many hours of my childhood playing inside and outside of the Yacobozzi home with Lonna, Brenda and Dino. Mr. Yacobozzi always had a smile on his face and positive words to share. My sincerest condolences for your loss. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you, Yacobozzi family.
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Kathryn (Spear) Malone
February 4th, 2019 at 12:00am
Donna & Family. Our deepest sympathy to you and your family. Ben was a good friend and compassionate man. We will never forget him! He is now resting in the arms of our Lord.
RIP Benny.
Jim & Betty Haynes
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Betty Haynes
February 1st, 2019 at 12:00am
Dino and Brenda, I am so very sorry about your father. He was a very nice man who I always enjoyed visiting with at the cart in the summers. My prayers fo comfort for both of you and your families. Love, Diane Youngstedt (our paper wasn’t delivered all week so I didn’t know about this in time to come to the visitation)—so sorry
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Diane Youngstedt
February 1st, 2019 at 12:00am
I was sorry to hear of Ben's passing. I looked forward to reconnecting with him when he and Donna moved to the Villas on the River. Our friendship goes back to high school when I spent my freshman year attending St. Joseph Catholic. Ben sat across from me in one or more classes (memory is now dim) and he would tease me until I would punch him. Though we lived in the same town, our paths did not cross until the Ponies 50th class reunion in 2008. In spite of his teasing, I liked Ben a lot and remember him with great fondness.
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Patti Quattrin
January 31st, 2019 at 12:00am
My sincere condolences to Donna and the children. I first met Ben when I started at the fire department and never stopped admiring the man for what he stood for in life and what he could accomplish. Ben would always tell you what he thought about what ever you would talk about with him, doing it in a kind and teaching way. I will always think of him with great respect and admiration. RIP Ben
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Rod Wilder
January 31st, 2019 at 12:00am
To all of the Yacobozzi family, so sorry for your loss, May it bring some comfort to know that Ben left this world a much better place because he had such a positive impact on many people.
I will cherish my memories of him. Trudy Wilder
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Trudy
January 31st, 2019 at 12:00am
In honor of Ben, Morton and Patricia Lane lit a candle.
Our Condolences to the family
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Morton and Patricia Lane
January 31st, 2019 at 12:00am
In honor of Ben, Lawrence & Bonnie Andree lit a candle.
Our condolences to the family.
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Lawrence & Bonnie Andree
January 30th, 2019 at 12:00am
Ben was a man among men. The world was a better place due to all that Ben did for so many. May the Good Lord bless his family and friends
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Joseph Engel
January 30th, 2019 at 12:00am
What a wonderful man! I used to wait on him when he came into Thayer to buy supplies. He was always so pleasant. I am so sorry for the family's loss.
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Dian Mahar
January 30th, 2019 at 12:00am
In honor of Ben, Jeffery J. lit a candle.
Thoughts and prayers are with the family. ?
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Jeffery J.
January 30th, 2019 at 12:00am
In honor of Ben, Tony Canonie lit a candle.
This system is severely flawed...my 5th try.
Truly saddened by the loss of a stand up guy and true gentleman. My heart goes out to Donna and the family. Ben and I go back 30 yrs...He and Donna brought their cart to SH for my daughter’s wedding, serving late nite dogs. Privileged to be his friend.
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Tony Canonie
January 29th, 2019 at 12:00am
In honor of Ben, Dawn Mackie lit a candle.
I’m so sad. I send prayers to the family. We have lived here since 1996, every summer we would stand in the line...to get the best hot dog ever! All summer long! What a sweet man! Hard, dedicated man! I did not know him personally but looked forward to that smile, hot dog and pop!! We will miss him so much! What will we do without the famous hot dog cart! God has a very wonderful new angel.
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Dawn Mackie
January 29th, 2019 at 12:00am
I am saddened by Ben's passing, and my heart goes out to Donna and the family. I met Ben in the late 80's and was almost an everyday hot dog consumer. He and Donna even came to South Haven with the hot dog cart and served 140 dogs at my daughter's wedding, late at nite, after hours of merriment. I once quietly bought their Anniversary dinner...typical of Ben...never said a word, but I never paid for another dog. 15 yrs later, my grandson met him and said, "papa tony, Mr Ben is a very kind man". Well said. Ben was a quiet classic. I was blessed to know him..will miss you, my friend.
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Tony Canonie
January 29th, 2019 at 12:00am
Donna and family, I was so sorry to read of Ben’s passing. I worked with him at City of St. Joseph. My prayers and condolences to you and the rest of the family. May you find comfort in your memories of Ben. Will miss seeing him on the corner of Broad and State Streets.
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Elizabeth Ball
January 29th, 2019 at 12:00am
What an amazing man. I knew him growing up as the Yacobozzi's Dad and spend lots of time at their house. I didn't really know all his accomplishments but he always made me feel welcome and made me feel that he genuinely cared about my welfare. So sorry for your loss.
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Lisa Wheeler
January 29th, 2019 at 12:00am
Peace, comfort and prayers to all of you. Dino you and your family are in my thoughts. I have so enjoyed getting to know your family throughout the summers.
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Susan Holcomb
January 29th, 2019 at 12:00am
In honor of Ben, Barbara Rose lit a candle.
The "Hot Dog Man" brought his cart to the ground breaking of Covert Generating, and
Thanks to Rick Grubb, Jerry Sarno, and "Ben" a great day was had by all.
Thanks for the memories...
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Barbara Rose
January 29th, 2019 at 12:00am
I am truly saddened, and my heart goes out to Donna, and her family. Ben was a wonderful gentleman...moving back to the area in 88, I immediately became almost a daily hot dog consumer ! Ben and Donna also came to my daughter’s wedding, and served 140 hot dogs from their cart..after the guests enjoyed a nite of merriment. I once quietly bought their dinner, and typical Ben, never let me pay for another hot dog...no yak yak, just that “look”...15 years after the wedding, my grandson met Ben and said to me “papa tony, Mr Ben is a very kind man “..yes, he was....I am blessed to have known him...
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Tony Canonie
January 29th, 2019 at 12:00am
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So sad of Bens passing. He was a very wonderful person who served his community very well. We will miss him and his delicious hot dogs! May his soul Rest In Peace
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Pat Snow
January 29th, 2019 at 12:00am
Lonna and family. I am so deeply sorry to learn of your dad's passing. What a great, great guy !!! The infamous hot dog kart was a treasure to my family and friends when they visited St. Joe. Our prayers for you.
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Jeri Mead
January 29th, 2019 at 12:00am
Very sorry to hear of the loss of this great man. Thoughts and prayers on behalf of the whole family.
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Dan Reichert
January 29th, 2019 at 12:00am
I am truly saddened, and my heart goes out to Donna and the family. Ben was such a wonderful man. We became friends in the late 80’s, by my consuming hot dogs several times a week. Ben and Donna even journeyed to South Haven to serve my daughter’s wedding guests with dogs after a nite of merriment. I once bought he and Donna dinner when they didn’t know it. Ben never let me pay for another dog. He was that kind of gentleman. Not much said, but kind, thoughtful, generous and sincere. I remember that 15 years after the wedding my grandson met Ben, and said...’papa tony, Mr Ben is a very kind man, isn’t he ? “. I am blessed to have known Ben, and will miss him.
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Tony Canonie
January 28th, 2019 at 12:00am
Worked with Ben from the time he started with the Saint Joseph Fire Departmen, until my retirement in 1989. He was a stellar firefighter and an excellent Union president.
Farewell friend.......Ed Bennett
Condolences to Donna. ...children and grandchildren
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Ed Bennett
January 28th, 2019 at 12:00am
I had the great joy to know Ben Yacobozzi because of my friendship with Dino, his son. He is a man I hold in highest esteem. I have very fond memories of playing Euchre with him, Mrs. Yacobozzi, and Dino. They give me great joy, and I share them because of the pure pleasure they hold for me. Thanks to Mr. Yacobozzi, I, also, hold special status with my children having worked with Dino running The Hotdog Kart during Venetian Festival. To my great delight, I was able to introduce Mr Yacobozzi to my wife and children one beautiful summer afternoon as he ran the Kart - hotdogs from the Hotdog Kart are a true summer taste of St. Joseph. The world is only worse off with his passing. My prayers and deepest sympathies go to Mrs. Yacobozzi, Dino, and the rest of the family. May God and His Son, Jesus Christ, uphold you in your sorrow.
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Tim Knezic
January 28th, 2019 at 12:00am
Dino and Yacobozzi family,
We are all mourning the passing of a community icon and lifelong public servant. We are thinking of you during this difficult time. Ben will be long remembered for what he was, husband, father and community leader. Our condolences.
Dan and Sharon Deja
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Dan and Sharon Deja
January 28th, 2019 at 12:00am
He will certainly be missed by many. Our thoughts are with the family during this difficult time.
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Tim and Katie Lemon
January 28th, 2019 at 12:00am
Ben was a great union President for Local 1670 St. Joseph City Fire Fighters. I am and was proud to have been his V-President and friend. RIP President Ben.
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Joe W. Clark
January 28th, 2019 at 12:00am
My husband and I met Ben and Donna over 50 years ago when we were living next door to them in Whitmore Lake. We spent alot of time together since our youngest children were born just a month apart. Ben used to tease me all the time when we would get together. He will be missed. My condolences go out to Donna and the family.
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JoAnn Warren
January 28th, 2019 at 12:00am
Having known the family of Ben's son Dino Y. for 17 years and watching Ben sell hot dogs over that span of time, I am one who can testify to the impact that Ben had on all of us. The Walls family sends love and peace to all the Yacobozzi's in this time of reflection and sadness.
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Tim Walls
January 28th, 2019 at 12:00am
Ben's presence in the community will be sorely missed. I met Ben at Wolf's Marine, where he was a customer and myself an employee. He talked non stop about his family and once in awhile gave me a free Chicago dog. He truly was a nice man. Sorry for the loss to his family. R. I. P. Mr. Ben.
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Chris Myers
January 28th, 2019 at 12:00am
