It is great sorrow that that Ben has died.My first job in engineering upon graduating in1956 was with a new division of Curtiss Wright “Turbomotors” and Ben was my supervisor and mentor.He directed me toward my MME We have all lost a worldly treasure.I’m happy to have known and worked under him.

Ben was my mentor when I graduated in 1956.It was a new division of Curtiss Wright that lasted about 2 yr.During that time he directed me to get my MME which I did which I am very thankful .Lost track of BEN till I just read of his death.But we should all remember that he was a gift to us and society.    George Bleckman

My heart goes out to the family, his spirit will always live on with all of us

One of the really good guys - rest in peace Ben

My deepest sympathy to Ben Koff. He was a wonderful neighbor. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Fondly, Shirley Cashman 

When I first met Ben, I didn't know what a brilliant engineer and senior manager he was.  I only knew that he was a kind gentleman who, like me, loved ballroom dancing.  We bonded while putting a lot of effort into improving our dancing.  He would practice his lead, and I would gladly follow.   Over time, Ben shared with me his technical writings, and talked about how he found inspiration in studying the research of those who came before him.  We would share many lunches at the Bloomingdale's Cafe, one of his favorite spots, and he would entertain me with stories of his family.  He was beyond proud of his children and his grandchildren, and loved to keep me up to date.  Ben was a true "renaissance man" who enjoyed an eclectic array of hobbies.  I am truly sorry I never took him up on his offer to teach me to shoot...but then, he doubted my ability to hold the rifle properly!  Dear Ben, you are now my dance angel in heaven.  To his family, and to dear Louise, I offer my prayers and my condolences for your loss.  May your memories be your treasures now.  My memories of Ben are precious and so special.

I didn’t know Ben at first as the brilliant engineer and senior executive that I later discovered he was. He and I bonded over our shared love for ballroom dancing, which I quickly realized was only one of this guy’s eclectic hobbies. He loved to practice his lead with me, and I was overjoyed to follow. We enjoyed many happy lunches at the Bloomingdale’s cafe, where he would proudly share with me the accomplishments of his children and dear grandchildren. He always offered honest, sage advice, and told it to you straight. I will miss him tremendously. He is now my dance angel in heaven. Condolences to his adored family and his friend Louise. May you hold your memories as dear treasures. 

I worked with Ben for a long time at PW   He took us out of some difficult times during the great engine war.  He then helped us get the F119 program. He was a great technologist and will be sorely missed. I can only hope the family stays well and believes in the great legacy that he leaves.  You have my deepest sympathy and condolences

I met Ben Koff in 1981 when I was transferred to Government Products Division as the Manager of Operations. He was quite a personality in more ways than one. Although his mind was a few thoughts ahead during the conversation, he was a pleasure to talk to when seeking advice. I’m sure he will be missed as well his stories. Just loved the one about his early days on the potato farm on Long Island. Happy trails Ben. RIP

TONY PIZZI

I came to P&W in 1989. knowing little about engines and how they worked. I soon met Ben and went to the source to get educated. "Don't worry." he said with that infectious grin.  "It's simple. Suck, Squeeze, Bang, Blow." And you know that kind of sums it up.

My sincere condolences to Ben Koff’s family.  I will never forget all the memories working with Ben at P&W.  He was such a character and so young at heart.  Everyone knew where they stood with Ben, he told it how it was.  He had a good heart and truly cared about his profession and all those he worked with.  RIP, Ben......you will be missed!

Jeff and I send our sincere  sympathy on the loss of your father.  I was honored to be his secretary from 1991 until his retirement in 1997.  My favorite assignment at P&W.  Marylyn   

Ben was a special person for me and Andrei since day one we met him at the dance studio. He would come for a dance lesson and always be in a good mood, always would give us a strong hug.  I was constantly amazed by his ability to learn, to correct himself , and to enjoy the life in fullest. He shared wisdom and stories of his life. They were fascinating. We also had some things in common. His ancestors were from Ukraine and he remembered a few words in Ukrainian. We laughed a lot !!! I will be forever thankful for everything what he have done for me and Andrei. Ben always be in my heart. Miss him. 

Ben was a friend, teacher, mentor and leader whom inspired everyone he came in contact with. From working side-by-side a design engineer to a division of engineers, industry peer to industry group, university to National Academy of Engineers, Ben was able to build technical strategies and plans of action that he could explain and then lead through to result in amazing products and technologies that have changed the world. 

He had a good sense of humor and quickly built trust, bridging technical and marketing. His technical papers were famous for telling stories. He was always quick to pull out a blank sheet of paper and work through equations to solve problems and illustrate the strength in analytical thinking. I still have some of his hand sketches and equation derivations which are a memorable treasure. 

I was blessed to work with Ben in the 90’s and kept in touch since through this year, and will never forget him. He met my wife and sons, asking about them often. My sons especially enjoyed Ben’s teaching about his hobbies and learning technical details. His sense of humor always brought smiles and laughs. 

Ben made a lasting impression on me and many, and will not be forgotten. 

Bernard L Koff,  My dearest friend and companion  of almost 7 years, yet it seems I've known him all my life.   I knew Ben as a  man of integrity, wisdom and kindness, intelligent and caring.   Ben enjoyed living his life to its fullest, including ballroom dancing and  sport shooting,  where he was very competitive and loved the challenge.  He even climbed the Jupiter lighthouse a couple years back,  and felt great doing it!  He never felt his real age, and considered himself young at heart.  And he was!  
Ben encouraged me to believe in myself,  sharing his life's experiences, telling me that anyone has the ability to achieve what they want in life, if they assert themselves and never be afraid.  
I remember our first outing together, sharing his story of where he started in life, "I was a farm boy!"  His stories were incredibly captivating, and he had many!  I'd say,  "Ben, tell me that story about...(again) .  Each time I heard it over,  it was told as if he was right there in that memory.  And his memory was sharp! 
I can say I've never met anyone like Ben,  his old fashioned ways was something special, and a true gentleman at all times.  Always going out of his way to be sure I was safe.   We laughed together about everything from popcorn to politics, and of course the serious conversations regarding life's issues, which made our friendship so enjoyable and meaningful.  
Ben, my dear friend, will forever be in my heart,  because he touched my heart with so much love and kindness.   May he rest in everlasting peace.  🕊

Ben and I became friends, mostly because our history with my corvettes! And his past with GM Duntof.
I did most of Bens repairs on his cars on weekends! And occasional help with his home AC! I did meet one of his sons when we went to get a new battery for his Cadillac! Ben will be missed!!
RIP Ben! 
David

I had the good fortune of knowing and working closely with Ben for many years. I thoroughly enjoyed doing so.  Ben certainly was an exceptionally proficient, innovative and always enthusiastic engineer. Also, his leadership talents for directing and managing  significant engine  development endeavors were similarly outstanding.  His career was legendary - he truly was a major contributor to the advancement of gas turbine engine technology
               Don Bahr

OBITUARY

Bernard Koff

24 March, 1927 – 2 November, 2021

IJ Morris at Star of David Cemetery of the Palm Beaches

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