Ben Cassinerio III

Born on May 9, 1950, at Stanford Lane Hospital in San Francisco, Ben was a proud fourth-generation Californian as his Italian, Welsh, and Hungarian great-grandparents established roots in the Bay Area in the early 1900s. Ben attended Baywood Grammar School in San Mateo, where he made lifelong friendships and developed his passion for sports. As a young boy, he played little league baseball and was an avid SF Giants fan. His love of music was well known, and he attended countless concerts, ranging from his favorite, Cream with Eric Clapton and the Rolling Stones to Hootie and the Blowfish, Kenny Loggins and INXS.

During his high school years at Corona Del Mar and Woodside High, Ben embraced a wide range of sports. He excelled on the football field, but his athleticism extended beyond the gridiron. He played rugby, snow skied, arm-wrestled, lifted weights, speed skied, and surfed. Ben’s love of physical sports was unshakeable, and he gave everything mentally and physically to the ‘game of life’ as a fullback, team player, and coach. A devoted 49ers fan, his love of football never waned. He played with the Stray Dogs, a semi-pro full-contact football league, until the age of 59, often sharing the field with his son.

Ben’s professional career began at a young age in the lumber business, where he was mentored by Ross Ingraham, a close family friend and eventual business partner. A few highlights of Ben’s career included becoming the president of Western Pine, working as a broker for California Cascade, and retiring as the sole owner of Diablo Timber in 2017. He was a strong supporter and believer in independent lumber companies, fighting the battle against big-box retailers.

Beyond work, Ben frequently visited Hawaii and the California coast, where the ocean waves served as his meditation. His hobbies included building HO train landscapes and tackling countless wood projects. A master of the barbecue, Ben could always be found barefoot with a beer in hand, wearing shorts and an Aloha shirt, regardless of the season or weather.

Ben’s greatest achievements, however, were his roles as a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He leaves behind four children: Chris (Steve) and Alaina from his first marriage, and Scott and Marti (Scott Isaac) from his second marriage to his wife Jean, who was the embodiment of his love, strength, and unwavering support. Ben was also a fun and loving “Bapa” to his grandchildren: Taylor, Sammie, Ryan, Alex, Owen, Emma, Elijah, and Louisa.

He is survived by his siblings: Connie, Lynn (Brian), and John Frank (Sandy). Ben was a cherished uncle to their children and to the families of close friends. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him as Benny B, Willie, Buck, Bro, Bapa, Uncle Benny, and Dad.

Ben’s presence was larger than life, and his legacy of laughter, loyalty, and dedication will live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Celebration of Life -

The Celebration of Life in California is TBD in July/August. Stay tuned for details.

For family and friends located in Virginia, we will hold a small gathering at the foyer of Fishburne Military Academy in Waynesboro this Wednesday, February 12, at 3:15 PM, where Ben coached football during his retirement, to honor and share stories.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the following links:

Give - Augusta Health - https://www.augustahealth.com/foundation/give/

Save the Redwoods League | Plant a Tree in Someone's Honor - https://secure.savetheredwoods.org/a/honor

Relatives and friends may share condolences and memories with the family online by visiting www.reynoldshamrickfuneralhomes.com

Arrangements entrusted to the Staunton Chapel of Reynolds Hamrick Funeral Homes.