John Bernard "Ben" Zajkowski passed away on March 5, 2024, at age 93, following a brief illness. He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Dolores, son Mark, daughter Joy, son-in-law Paul, granddaughter Lindsay, and sister Theresa (Sister Eva Marie), as well as grand-dogs Arabella & Willow and several nieces & nephews.

Ben, one of seven children whose parents immigrated to the US from Poland, grew up in Poughkeepsie, NY. In his youth, he enjoyed playing bugle in the marching band, building model airplanes, and spending time in the outdoors- a passion which he maintained throughout his life.

Ben joined the US Navy after high school, and in the 1950s, he proudly served aboard the aircraft carrier the USS Coral Sea. He later went on to serve in the US Coast Guard Auxiliary in both New York and Florida.

In 1995, Ben retired as VP & General Manager of WJZ Gage & Tool, a family business which produced precision instruments for the aero-space industry. He was an accomplished toolmaker and draftsman who mentored numerous other employees during his career. He also excelled at many creative and physical pursuits throughout his life, and for years particularly enjoyed dart-ball, boating, fishing, and golf.

In retirement, Ben and Dolores traveled, relocated to Port Charlotte, FL, and later to Highlands Ranch, CO. In Colorado he relished being able to fly fish with Joy, Paul, and his late fishing buddy/grand-dog Isla. Fortunately, as he got older, his enthusiasm for fishing was not diminished by his waning success rate. Upon moving to Colorado, he also swiftly and bravely became a Rockies fan and celebrated almost every birthday thereafter at a game with family.

Perhaps more than anything else, Ben was known for his thoughtful and easygoing nature (and for making the very best potato pancakes). If family or friends ever needed him, he was generous with both his time and his pours- particularly if you were willing to join him for a Manhattan- and that is the spirit he would want his loved ones to continue to carry with them. The service will be held at St. Joseph Cemetery in Poughkeepsie, NY at 11am on Friday, March 15, 2024. In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to consider donating to your favorite charity.