Benjamin Byland

Mr. Benjamin T. Byland, age 77, of 103 Ray Street North, Ilion, passed into the hands of the Lord on Tuesday December 14, 2004 at his home in the presence of his loving wife Harriet and daughter Kim on Tuesday morning December 14, 2004. He was born in Patterson, North Carolina on March 11, 1927 the son of the late Roby and Louise (Frye) Byland. He attended school in North Carolina. He was formerly married to Betty Handley of Utica, the mother of his three children. He served in the United States Army Air Corps, 101st Airborne Division, 7th Infantry Divisionand the 82nd Airborne Division. He had tours of duty in the Pacific Theatre of Operations and Korea. He retired from the Army with the rank of Sergeant Major in 1965. He married Harriet Stooks Proulx on August 5, 1977. Ben was employed as General Manager with U.S. Materials Handling Corp for twelve years, was a Regional Sales manager for Allis Chalmers Corp. for two years and was a regional sales agent for Lista International for four years. He is survived by his wife: Harriet; one son and daughter in law: Robert and Rose Y. Byland of Elmira; two daughters Colleen Soltys of Florida; and Kimberley and husband David Work of Elmira; two step sons and their wives: Thomas and Dianne Proulx of Glens Falls; and James and Jane Proulx of Russia, NY and one step daughter: Debora Kowalski of New Hartford; 13 grandchildren; 3 great grandchildren; and a sister and brother in law: Doris and Frank Burrows of Carlisle, PA. He was predeceased by a brother: John R. Byland of Utica. A memorial celebration of Ben's Life will be held on Thursday December 16, 2004 at 11:00 AM at the Church of Annunciation, West Street Ilion, where the memorial Mass will be celebtared by the Rev. Anthony Barratt, Pastor. In lieu of flowers, those wishing are asked to consider donations to the American Cancer Society, or to Hospice. Ben's arrangements have been entrusted to the Enea Family Funeral Home, Main Street Between Ilion & Frankfort (894-8000).