NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Benjamin Michael Maslanka Jr., 78, of 150 Ashland St., North Adams, Mass., died on Monday, September 25, 2017, at his home.

He was born in Pittsfield, Mass., on April 20, 1939, a son of the late Benjamin Michael and Dorothy (Chase) Maslanka. He graduated from Pittsfield High School. Ben was employed for many years at Lee National Bank and later at Rickert Electric Inc. in Williamstown, Mass., where he worked in office management and appliance sales until his retirement.

He was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie #310 in North Adams. He was a communicant of Sts. Patrick & Raphael Parish in Williamstown. He volunteered at the local food bank in Williamstown. Ben enjoyed camping, spending time with his family and enjoying a beer with friends.

He was the widower of Phyllis F. (Florczyk) Maslanka, whom he married on October 7, 1961. She was the love of his life. She died on December 13, 1996.

Survivors include his daughter, Tammy Rickert and her husband, Tim, of Williamstown; two grandchildren, Jill Rickert and her fiancé Ron Campbell of North Adams and Tyler Rickert and his wife Amanda of Williamstown; four great-grandchildren, Christopher, Camryn, Austin and Riley; three sisters, Lorraine Maslanka of Canaan, N.Y., Barbara Ferrarin and her husband Raymond, and Beverly Myers and her husband David, both of Pittsfield; and as well as several nieces and nephews. 

He was predeceased by a sister, June Chase; and his brother, Francis Maslanka.

Funeral notice: A memorial service to celebrate the life of Benjamin Maslanka Jr. will take place at the Sherman Burbank Memorial Chapel in Williamstown, Mass., on Friday, September 29, 2017, at 11 a.m. A calling hour will be held from 10 a.m. until the time of the service at the Sherman Burbank Memorial Chapel.

Burial will follow in Eastlawn Cemetery. Donations in his memory can be made to the Berkshire Humane Society. Flynn & Dagnoli-Montagna Home for Funerals is in charge of the arrangements.