Ben Farago was born in Chicago on April 17, 1930 to Ettore and Mary Elena Farago. He died peacefully on July 1, 2025 with his son Dan by his side. He was 95.

Ben's early years growing up during the Great Depression and losing his mom at age 12 set the stage for the man he would become. Ever responsible, hard working, self sufficient, resourceful, strong and brave, Ben learned early on the importance of family values and served as a protector and confidante to his sister Rose, brother Joe and later to his baby sister Cecelia after his father remarried.

A lifetime Chicago resident, Ben attended Lane Tech High School where he excelled in scholastic as well as athletic endeavors. He was Captain of the wrestling team for two years and a state qualifier his senior year.  Ben was drafted in 1951 and served in the marines during the Korean War as a radio operator. He later attended IIT, studying Electrical Engineering.

Ben met the love of his life, Lillian Baggio in 1956, they married in 1958 and had three children, Linda, Gianna and Dan. A devoted husband and father, Ben was known for selflessly caring, giving and supporting his wife and children in every way possible and was greatly loved, admired and appreciated for all he did.

His career as an Electrician spanned 50 years and included time working at Progress Electric, Forbes Electric and the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District. He was highly regarded in his profession and his success was due as much to his talents and skills as to his strong work ethic.  Ben was proud to be an IBEW Local 134 member in good standing for over 75 years.

Those who knew Ben, would say he could fix anything … and he could. His mother-in-law said he had Hands Of Gold… and he did.  His wife boasted that he was a "Master of All Trades…and he was! Ben was one in a million.

The joys of his life in later years included spending time with his children and their spouses his grandchildren and great grandchildren!.  He enjoyed whittling and he turned simple blocks of wood into life-like ducks. As well, he loved gardening and took pride in growing peaches, tomatoes and beautiful dahlias that brought joy to his family and friends each year.

Ben was the devoted husband to Lillian (nee Baggio) for 53 years; loving father to Linda (Philip) Feo, Gianna (Michael) Tetrick, and Daniel Farago; cherished grandfather to Amanda (Nick) Canger, Matthew (Melinda) Feo, Ryan (Nora) Tetrick, Renee (Carlos) Tetrick Torres; proud great grandfather of Bennett "Benny", Sophie, Juliet, Arden, Florence, Pio; dearest neighbor and friend of Diane Plichta; loving brother to Joseph (Patti Jo) Farago, Cecelia (the late David) Donat; dearest brother-in-law to Christine (the late Leo) Baggio. He will also be missed by many dear nieces, nephews, and friends.

Ben is preceded in death by his wife Lillian; parents Ettore and Mary Elena; sister Rose (Connie) Zumbo; sister in-laws Pierina (Anthony) Bernardi, Lorraine (Bernard) Surtz.

The family wishes to acknowledge and thank all those who cared for Ben especially Deo Sorronda, Sophia Smith, Emmanuel Adigun, Ellena Maghanoy, John Vilar, Sabrina Oquendo and Maribel Menendez. A special thank you to Crissy Wolf from Traditions Health and for the care he received while at The Sheridan Park Ridge.

Visitation, Monday, July 7, 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., The Elms Funeral Home, 7600 W. Grand Ave. Elmwood Park, Lying in-State, Tuesday, July 8, 10:00 a.m. until the time of Mass of Christian Burial, 11:00 a.m., Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, 1775 Grove St. Glenview, interment to follow at All Saints Cemetery, Des Plaines.

For those not able to attend, the Mass of Christian Burial recording may be viewed here: Video recording of Mass

Donations may be made in Ben's honor to St. Jude Children's Hospital.
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For information, 708-453-1234.