Benjamin C. Mancuso Jr.

Benjamin C. Mancuso, Jr., age 91, a lifelong resident of Batavia, NY, passed away on December 31, 2024. He was a successful family businessman and dedicated community volunteer whose contributions enriched both his hometown and the broader region. He shared over 50 wonderful years of marriage with his adoring wife, Mercedes Ann (Mahoney) Mancuso, whom he married in 1958. Mercedes passed away in 2009, a loss Ben carried with grace and love for their enduring bond. Together, they raised four children: Rick (Julie), Mark, Lynn (Tom) Houseknecht, and Ben III (Kara) Mancuso.

Ben's professional life was deeply rooted in the family business, Charles Mancuso & Son, where his leadership and dedication were evident throughout the years. He spent his entire career in business with his dad, uncles, brothers, cousins and sons. He retired as the the president of the company after a full, successful career. His commitment to service was equally remarkable, both locally and beyond. He served as past president or board member of the Lions Club, the Batavia Club, Children's Home Foundation, Batavia Youth Football, Stafford Country Club, and Genesee Memorial Hospital. His civic engagement extended regionally, where he contributed as a member of the Blue Cross/Blue Shield Board, Chairman of the Erie Niagara Insurance Board, Chairman of the Bank of Castile Board, and as a member of the AAA of Western New York Board of Directors, among others.

Ben also had a passion for the arts, particularly theater. A gifted actor and director, he brought stories to life through Rotary Show productions, with his most cherished role as Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof. Over the years, he directed numerous productions, leaving an indelible mark on the local theater community.

A man of many interests, Ben was an avid bridge player, meeting weekly with friends until the age of 89. He was also a lifelong golfer and a longtime member of Stafford Country Club. Summers at Silver Lake were among Ben’s happiest times, where he created countless cherished memories on the water with family. Winters in Florida were filled with family, friends, and wonderful dinners, making every season of his life meaningful and joy filled.

A devoted family man, Ben was a proud grandfather to Morgan Mancuso Sicheri, Alexandra (Donnie) DiLaura, Patrick (Emily) Mancuso, Madelyn Mancuso, Scott (Moira) Mancuso, Kristin Mancuso, Mark (Melissa) Houseknecht, Craig (Taylor) Houseknecht, Eric Houseknecht, Ted (Zach) Houseknecht, Benjamin IV (Becca) Mancuso, and Ross Mancuso. He also treasured his 12 great-grandchildren, with three more on the way (including Benjamin V), who brought him immense joy. Ben is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Ben was predeceased by his beloved grandson Ricky Mancuso, his parents Benjamin Sr. and Laura (LaRussa) Mancuso, his siblings James (Clarissa), Dominic (Margaret), Joseph (Beverly), and Carmen (Anthony) Catinella and his cherished wife, Mercedes.

Today in heaven mom and dad are dancing, he is singing vibrantly, and likely soon to be president of their Wine Collectors Club.

His Mass of Christian Burial for Benjamin will be celebrated on Tuesday, January 7th at 9:30 a.m. at Resurrection Parish, St. Joseph site, 303 East Main Street. He will be laid to rest in St. Joseph’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, your kind memorial would be accepted by Notre Dame High School or Rochester Regional Health at UMMC.