Obituary of Benjamin Appio

Benjamin Peter Appio known to all as “Ben” passed away on September 24, 2018 at the age of 94.  One of twelve children, Ben was born on December 19, 1923 to the late Rocco and Elizabeth (Savastano) Appio.

Ben enlisted in the US Navy at the age of 19 and proudly served during World War II on the USS Midas in the Pacific Theater and returned stateside after the end of the war.

While working full time during the day, he attended Rutgers University at night and graduated in 1954.

Throughout his career, Ben worked in the Payroll Service Industry.  He realized his lifelong dream of owning his own company when he founded The Payroll Group 28 years ago.  At the time of his passing, he was still actively working, serving as President of The Payroll Group.

Ben was a parishioner of St Gabriel the Archangel Church for over 40 years where he served as an usher and a member of the Knights of Columbus.

He was an avid golfer and a member of Hackensack Golf and Country Club for 30 years. 

A longtime Hillsdale resident Ben loved sitting on the patio of his Hillsdale home enjoying the peace and beauty of his garden.  He also enjoyed spending summers at the beach in the Hamptons. He was a fervent reader and a passionate baseball, football, and horse racing enthusiast.

Ben was predeceased by his loving wife of 50 years Mary Jane (Bazdan) Appio on September 23, 2003. 

Ben is survived by his two children, Beth Ann Appio and her partner Mark Puttenvink and Thomas Joseph Appio.  He is also survived by his sister Ann Maida and her husband Greg and many nieces and nephews. 

Ben was charming, humorous, resilient and compassionate; he was loved by all who met him. He will be missed immeasurably by his family, friends, and customers.

A memorial service to honor Ben’s life will be held on October 20, 2018 at St. Gabriel the Archangel Catholic Church, 88 East Saddle River Road, Saddle River NJ at 10:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers the family is requesting charitable donations be made to the Appio Family Memorial Scholarship Fund c/o Don Bosco Prep High School Advancement Office 492 N. Franklin Turnpike Ramsey, NJ  07446