Benjamin Santana

Benjamin Santana, age 69, of Wayne, and formerly of Clifton and Paterson, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, September 12, 2024.

The second of Matildo and Anna (Agnes) Santana’s five children, Benjamin was born in Paterson and raised in the family’s home located at 115 Genesee Ave.

Because of his passion for cars, Ben enrolled and graduated from Lincoln Technical Institute where he learned auto mechanics. You see, he had a lifelong passion for cars, so acquiring the knowledge to work on them was indispensable. Ben’s first car was a bright red 1955 Chevy Belair Coupe that his father purchased for him for $300. At some point Ben dropped a 454 under the hood which made it the loudest car you could imagine. Everyone could hear Ben coming from a mile away! Another car that was a Benny favorite was his turquoise 1962 Chevy Impala two door with a small block 327 and four on the floor. He competed at many car shows and grew accustomed to taking home the trophy thanks to his victories in many categories. He also loved going to the car shows to see many friends and talking about cars. 

Feeling that working on cars for a living would have spoiled his love for them, Ben took a different approach to work. He started out at United Wire Hanger in Hasbrouck Heights. His father had worked there for many years and was able to get Ben a job. From there he moved on to Automatic Doorman in Paterson where he worked for twenty years as a parts runner, getting equipment to the jobsites. Most recently he was employed as a Shipping and Receiving Supervisor for ISI Corporation in Fairfield. He retired in 2018. 

Ben met the love of his life, Patricia Lazzaro, at the Dealer’s Inn on Main Avenue in Paterson. Apparently, Ben’s language was a little salty and Patricia called him out for it. That was their first encounter. It was soon followed up by a formal date for dinner at the Jade Fountain in Clifton. They fell in love and decided to spend the rest of their lives together. Benny and Patricia exchanged their wedding promises before God, family and friends on Saturday, September 8, 1979 at St. John Kanty R.C. Church on Speer Avenue in Clifton. Pat was just out of high school. Everyone celebrated the marriage at a reception at the Athenia Veteran’s Post at 147 Huron Ave. in Clifton. Afterwards, the newlyweds set off for their honeymoon to Virginia Beach, Virginia. After the honeymoon, the first place they called home was a first-floor apartment at 193 Ludington Ave in Clifton. From there they moved into a first-floor apartment in a four-family home at 227 Speer Ave in Clifton that was owned by Pat’s mother. In 2010 Ben and Pat moved to their present home in Wayne. 

Besides playing with his cars, Ben cherished simple happy moments spent with his family and friends. He enjoyed a long-standing tradition of getting together with his brothers and sisters for Saturday night card playing and dinner together at one of his sister’s houses. He loved breakfast and could often be found enjoying it at the Tick Tock Diner in Clifton with his buddies. 

Ben was one of the kindest people you could ever have the pleasure of knowing. He had a great sense of humor and he dedicated himself to looking out for his family, including his cats: Anthony, Vinnie, Jordan and Nika. They had Anthony and Vinnie first and they have since passed away. Then came Jordan and Nika. They were only going to adopt Jordan but they ended up going back to adopt Nika too because Ben said that Nika won his heart when she winked at him. He also had the most generous heart and always got excited at Christmas time participating in the car-show-sponsored donation of gifts for children to the Toys for Tots ministry. 

Ben will simply be missed for the most important thing in the world…..his love. Rest in Peace Benny!  

Ben was the beloved husband of Patricia (Lazzaro), blest in marriage for 45 years. He was the loving brother of Juana Santana of Clifton, the late Patrick Santana (2005), Monte Santana, Jr. and wife Barbara of Clifton, and Maria and Hector Lopez of Clifton; and two dear nephews: Monte Santana, III and wife Ashely, and Vincent Santana and companion Nina Ibarria. He was also predeceased by his cherished parents: Matildo Santana (2014) and Anna (Agnes) Santana (1999).

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy in Ben’s name are asked to consider donating a toy for a child in need to Toys for Tots at Christmas time. You can also donate to Toys for Tots by clicking HERE. Thank you!