In Memory of PDG Ben Binkowski

It is with sadness that we report the passing of PDG Ben Binkowski in late December, at the age of 89 years old.  Ben was a true Rotarian, leading with a quiet, but steady and assured demeanor.
 
It is with sadness that we report the passing of PDG Ben Binkowski in late December at the age of 89 years old.  Ben was a true Rotarian, leading with a quiet but steady and assured demeanor.
 
Ben was born and raised in Lake Ronkonkoma. He graduated from Sayville High School in 1951, then went on to Adelphi College. After graduation, he worked for GE in Schenectady NY until Uncle Sam called him to service from 1957 to 1959. When he returned from service he went back to his former job at GE in Schenectady. In 1963 he decided to open his own business, the Ronkonkoma Printing Co. 
 
In February 1969, the Rotary Club of the Ronkonkomas was chartered. Ben was a Charter Member. He served in many areas of the club and was Club President in 1977 - 1978. He became District Governor of District 726 (7260) and served from 1988 to 1989. The theme that year was “Put Life into Rotary-Your Life”.  There could have been a more perfect theme to illustrate Ben’s own personal commitment to Rotary
  • Ben was DG in the former District 726 during the 1988-89 Rotary Year. 
  • The Gift of Life Program in Suffolk District was very near and dear to Ben's heart. He served as Chairman from 1989 to 1993 and remained active for many years.
  • Ben was sent as a delegate to The Council On Legislation, New Delhi, India, January 12th to the 16th, 1998.
  • Ben was very involved in the Group Study Exchange Program and received a team from Italy the year he served as District Governor.
  • Ben was the District Printer. He was Chairperson for four District Conferences and enjoyed serving his district in that capacity.
  • In addition, Ben was active on the Youth Exchange Team for over ten years, while his wife Audrey was Chairperson.
  • He was the recipient of many awards but the award that best exemplified him was being honored as the finest example of the “The Four Way Test.”
 
Fifty years later, 2013, he closed the business and he and his wife Audrey moved to North Carolina. He joined The Rotary Club of Mooresville in September of 2013. On January 12th, he and Audrey would have celebrated their 50th anniversary.
 
Expressions of sympathy can be sent to Ben’s wife Audrey at 254 Amora Loop, Mooresville, NC 28115 or ambbbb1974@hotmail.com.