Obituary for Benjamin Baltrukovicz Jr.
HARDYSTON, NJ - Benjamin J. Baltrukovicz, 79, passed away on October 20, 2020, at home with his
family beside him.
Born in Frenchtown, NJ to Sophie (Priliszh) and Benjamin Baltrukovicz, Ben is survived by his wife of 58
years Betty (Cunningham), his loving children, daughter Elizabeth and her husband Robert Koeppe jr of
Andover Township, NJ, son James and his wife Anna Christine of Mukilteo, WA, and daughter Susan and
her husband Todd Robida of Cleveland, OH. He leaves behind his adored grandchildren Blaine, Chloe,
Anna-Renee and Alexander, his sisters Malvina, Jennie and Patricia, many nieces and nephews, and his
beloved canine companion Bella.
Ben studied Mechanical Engineering at Newark College of Engineering, now NJIT, while working for
International Nickel in Sterling Forest, NY where he attained several patents in the metallurgical field.
He retired from his position as Business Center Manager with Howmet, Alloy Division in Dover, NJ in
1997. Ben was active with the Presbyterian Church in Oak Ridge, NJ and regularly volunteered with
Betty in many events, and was head of the Finance Committee. He was glad to support many of his
children’s pursuits, chaperoning his son’s scout troop activities and many weekend camp-outs, working
the snack-bar at the West Milford Twp High School football games, and serving as president of the
WMTHS Band Parents. In his spare time, Ben made furniture for the family home, built several
additions on the house single-handedly, and was always ready to help a neighbor with a home project.
Ben’s favorite times were with his family and friends, and he delighted in raising his children and
instilling in them continued curiosity, independent spirit and a love of the outdoors. He enjoyed
teaching his children science and math at the dinner table whether they wanted to or not. Ben
organized many family camping trips with precision (everyone will be in the car at 4:30 am sharp!)
throughout the US and was thrilled to drive the family for a 1-month trip to camp at the base of the
Tetons, hike the Black Hills of South Dakota, and witness Old Faithful at Yellowstone. Ben took the
family sailing at lakes throughout the northeast, taught his kids to swim in the neighborhood river, and
baked excellent homemade apple pies and pizza. He was an avid Elvis fan, and perhaps one of the only
fans of The Limeliters. Following his retirement, Ben and Betty relocated to Indiana and Florida and
continued to travel, spend time with family and friends, and meet new friends along the way.
In consideration of the current COVID-19 restrictions, the family will celebrate Ben with a private event.
Ben’s family wishes to thank Matilde, Karen, Bonnie, and many other caregivers for their amazing
compassion, careful care and support. Donations in Ben’s memory may be made to Karen Ann Quinlan
Hospice, 99 Sparta Avenue, Newton, NJ 07860 or karenannquinlanhospice.org.
family beside him.
Born in Frenchtown, NJ to Sophie (Priliszh) and Benjamin Baltrukovicz, Ben is survived by his wife of 58
years Betty (Cunningham), his loving children, daughter Elizabeth and her husband Robert Koeppe jr of
Andover Township, NJ, son James and his wife Anna Christine of Mukilteo, WA, and daughter Susan and
her husband Todd Robida of Cleveland, OH. He leaves behind his adored grandchildren Blaine, Chloe,
Anna-Renee and Alexander, his sisters Malvina, Jennie and Patricia, many nieces and nephews, and his
beloved canine companion Bella.
Ben studied Mechanical Engineering at Newark College of Engineering, now NJIT, while working for
International Nickel in Sterling Forest, NY where he attained several patents in the metallurgical field.
He retired from his position as Business Center Manager with Howmet, Alloy Division in Dover, NJ in
1997. Ben was active with the Presbyterian Church in Oak Ridge, NJ and regularly volunteered with
Betty in many events, and was head of the Finance Committee. He was glad to support many of his
children’s pursuits, chaperoning his son’s scout troop activities and many weekend camp-outs, working
the snack-bar at the West Milford Twp High School football games, and serving as president of the
WMTHS Band Parents. In his spare time, Ben made furniture for the family home, built several
additions on the house single-handedly, and was always ready to help a neighbor with a home project.
Ben’s favorite times were with his family and friends, and he delighted in raising his children and
instilling in them continued curiosity, independent spirit and a love of the outdoors. He enjoyed
teaching his children science and math at the dinner table whether they wanted to or not. Ben
organized many family camping trips with precision (everyone will be in the car at 4:30 am sharp!)
throughout the US and was thrilled to drive the family for a 1-month trip to camp at the base of the
Tetons, hike the Black Hills of South Dakota, and witness Old Faithful at Yellowstone. Ben took the
family sailing at lakes throughout the northeast, taught his kids to swim in the neighborhood river, and
baked excellent homemade apple pies and pizza. He was an avid Elvis fan, and perhaps one of the only
fans of The Limeliters. Following his retirement, Ben and Betty relocated to Indiana and Florida and
continued to travel, spend time with family and friends, and meet new friends along the way.
In consideration of the current COVID-19 restrictions, the family will celebrate Ben with a private event.
Ben’s family wishes to thank Matilde, Karen, Bonnie, and many other caregivers for their amazing
compassion, careful care and support. Donations in Ben’s memory may be made to Karen Ann Quinlan
Hospice, 99 Sparta Avenue, Newton, NJ 07860 or karenannquinlanhospice.org.