Benedict Joseph Mical Jr. (Ben) was born on January 14, 1943, in Chicago, Illinois. Ben’s parents were Benedict and Bernice Mical. His brother, 7 years his junior, is Alan Mical. They were the best of friends. Although they lived across the country from each other they spoke several times a week on the phone. Distance did not separate these brothers. Ben was raised to be hardworking, dependable and always on time. It was funny to see how his extensive, and impressive, watch collection reminded us of how much he liked to be on time. He was an outgoing, friendly, witty, and a loving family man who loved to make people laugh. These characteristics brought him success in all of his life’s pursuits.
While growing up in Chicago, Ben was provided with unique life experiences. In his first job, he was a milkman’s assistant, delivering milk daily to customers. He was about 12 years old and worked each morning before going to school. This was the start of Ben’s firm belief in the power of hard work. In high school, Ben discovered the Drum and Bugle Corps, the Cavaliers. His talent and passion in drumming instantly flourished, and he was naturally gifted. The Cavaliers were undefeated and named National Champions in the 1961 season. In addition, he was known as one of the famous “3Ms” in the Cavaliers’ Snare Line and a member of the Green Machine. His love for music included all musical genres from polkas to rock and roll.
In 1961, Ben met his lovely wife, Patricia A. Mical at Sears in Chicago. Ben loaded the trucks while Patti worked as an invoice biller. After dating for only a few days, Ben gave Patti his class ring and told her to have it sized for her finger. Their connection was powerful from the start and their adoration for each other grew even stronger through the years. On May 4, 1963, they were married at St. Giles Catholic Church in Oak Park, Illinois. They had three wonderful children together named Lisa, Maria and Nicholas.
Ben’s main career was in the printing industry. He began working at Poole Brothers in Chicago at the age of 20. Later working at Graftek Press, Inc. in Crystal Lake, Illinois. After vacationing in San Diego in the summer of 1981, Ben was so enchanted by the city that he decided to move his family West and continue his career in printing there. In California, he worked for Rush Press initially then at Toyo Inc. (Japanese ink company) as a distributor. Through Toyo Inc., he furthered his career with Dupont Industries then worked at Investor’s Business Daily and did consulting work early in his retirement.
In the 1970s, Ben discovered his love for Isshinryu Karate after his wife, Patti, was taking lessons. There he met his dear friend, Jeff Quoss. They competed in many tournaments throughout Northern Illinois winning many competitions over the years. Also, Ben earned a 3rd degree Black Belt. He and Jeff continued to share their passion for karate by teaching a self defense course at Crystal Lake YMCA in Illinois.
In Ben’s retirement, his two greatest joys were traveling around the world with his wife Patti and friends and spending time with his many grandchildren. He loved exploring new cities and seeing the favorite local sites along the way. Some of his favorite vacation destinations included: Croatia, China, Maui, France, Italy, Spain and Fiji. His most recent trips with Patti were visiting China in the Spring and Spain this Fall. Ben cherished all the time that he spent with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He treated everyday as a gift. He was the best Papa ever. He enjoyed the moments when he made his grandchildren laugh while telling some of his favorite jokes and stories. He also loved to spend time with his friends from his many Italian Clubs and friends from Del Mar. Ben’s love for his family and friends will always be remembered.
Benedict Joseph Mical Jr. passed away unexpectedly on November 27, 2018, at home. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Patricia A. Mical and his children, daughter Lisa and husband Dave, daughter Maria and husband Randy, and son Nicholas. He will also be lovingly remembered by his grandchildren, Zachary and wife Samantha, Brittany and husband Ryan, Isabella, Elena, Rhett and Julia and his great-grandchildren, Preston, Sawyer and Chase. He will also be fondly remembered by his brother Alan and wife Marie, by his sisters in law Cristina and Linda, by his brothers in law Gilbert and Chuck, and by many cousins, nieces and nephews.
Services will be held at El Camino Memorial Park-Sorrento Valley on Saturday, December 15, 2018 in San Diego, California. His memorial service will be begin at 11:00 a.m. in the Chapel with a luncheon to follow in Carlsbad.
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