Benjamin David English
August 13, 2004 ~ December 24, 2023
Resided in:
Sanford, Maine
SANFORD—Benjamin David English, 19, of Sanford, died Sunday December 24, 2023 in an automobile accident.
Ben was born in Sanford on August 13, 2004, on Friday the 13th in the year of the Monkey, which definitely explains his personality.The son of David and Heather (Dougherty) English, he grew up in Sanford and graduated from Sanford High School/ Sanford Regional Technical Center.
Ben was born a risk-taker and started climbing to stand in the middle of the kitchen table when he was only 9 months old.He had no fear so his parents enrolled him in swim lessons when he was three and that began his exploration of sports.He played soccer, baseball, wrestling, archery, and football throughout his youth and then settled on tennis once he reached high school.Ben was willing to try anything and did!
In school, Ben participated in drama club, chess club, beginning guitar, and Magic Club.Once admitted to the Precision Manufacturing Program as a sophomore, Ben became involved in Skills USA, which included volunteering to help in the school concession stand.As a senior, Ben won the Gold Medal in the Maine state Precision Manufacturing Contest for Skills USA.
He attended SMCC and had recently begun working at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard as an Outside Machinist. Ben was skilled at all things mechanical and often took on the challenge of figuring out how something worked (or didn’t).He preferred being outside whenever possible and looked forward to fishing trips with Captain Nick.
When Ben was in the room, you knew it because he was usually the loudest one there.He had an infectious laugh that you could not un-hear.He was known for being enthusiastic and energetic but could also be found sitting quietly and enjoying a book regardless of the commotion going on around him.Ben enjoyed video games (both playing and watching on YouTube) and never met an animal that didn’t love him. Ben was a closet introvert and preferred family time over going out with friends. Ben’s most memorable quality was his big heart and willingness to do anything for those around him.
Ben’s curly hair and mischievous grin will never be forgotten.
He is survived by his parents, Heather English and her partner, John Uzzle and David English and his fiancé, Julie LaFerriere; his brother, Zachary English; his paternal grandmother, Carol English of Dublin, OH; his maternal grandparents, Debra Wright of Johnston, SC and David Amole, Jr. and his wife Melody of Nicholasville, KY; John Uzzle’s son Milo and Julie LaFerriere’s daughter, Jordan Boehmer and her husband, Chris and their daughter, Eva.Ben was predeceased by his grandfather, Gerald English.
A gathering to remember Ben will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday December 30, 2023 at the Carll, Heald and Black Funeral Home. Relatives and friends may visit with the family from 12:00 noon until service time.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to HerpHaven Reptile Rescue and Sanctuary, www.herphaven.org
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While camping at a letterboxing event when Benjamin was younger, Heather and I were discussing what we wanted to do, and suggested hiking a mountain. Both Benjamin and Zachary were game to tackle the hike! It was a wonderful day to spend hiking with friends, and Benjamin’s spunk added to the enjoyment of the day.
Benjamin, Today is April 3rd, 2024. I just want you to know that I miss you deeply. Not a day goes by that you are not on my mind. I miss the conversations we had and projects we worked on. Just so you know I received 3 scrolls filled with signatures from people here on the shipyard offering condolences because you are no longer among them. I would bet well over 200 signatures. Know that in your short time here you made a huge impression on the people you worked with. You may be gone but you will never be forgotten. Love Dad
My thoughts are with you all ❤️
I first met Benjamin as a tiny boy in Scouts. So much spunk and so many fun scout years!!! He will be missed and remembered fondly.
Just a few weeks ago, my daughter Elyse and I went rollerskating with Heather, John, and Ben. In Ben fashion, he pretended to be too cool, but he spent the whole night by his mom’s side holding her hand. His actions always spoke louder than his words. He loved her more than anything.
Please know you are all in my prayers. I’m so deeply sorry for your loss.
Love,
Jane
My thoughts and prayers are with each of you as you reflect on Ben’s life today and as you continue to cherish your memories with him everyday. He will not be forgotten.
Dave, Heather and Zachary I wish I could be there to give you each a hug in person. You are all on my mind today. Ben was so loved.
So very sorry for your loss John, Heather & family. 💔
Our family sends you love and sincere condolences for the tremendous loss you are experiencing. We hope the trees that will be planted in Benjamin’s name will bring you comfort in knowing that our environment and animals will benefit in Ben’s name.
So sorry for your loss.
So many memories in the last 5 years! The laughter is what I will hear in my head forever. Your endearing smile – the way you looked up to your Dad and adored him. Thank for all the love you showed me Ben. You will always be in my heart.
Ben always had a way to make us all laugh. He had so many stories and was always so enthusiastic about sharing his knowledge with us. He told us the time spent at our house was just a fun time. I’m happy to know he enjoyed us, just as much as we enjoyed him. Ben, you will always be in our hearts and cherished memories together. ❤️
Ben’s teacher, friend & colleague of his mom.
Heather & family, our hearts ache with yours. Keeping you in our thoughts. ~The Bakers
Everytime him and I were hanging out he never failed to make me laugh. It was either he was telling me some random story or we were arguing about why I was right when in reality I was not and he proved his point which always made me laugh
I dated Ben for a while and then we were friends afterwards
When he passed me a sticky note in his moms classroom asking for my number
Heather, Zach and family,
I’m so sorry to hear the devastating news of Ben’s passing. Our condolences and prayers are with you and your family. 🙏😇
With prayers,
Marlene, David, Carolyn and Lily Higgins
His curly hair and big smile
It’s funny now but when Ben disappeared at a letter boxing event we were all scared. He was only 21/2 but he left the gathering and climbed a fire tower all by himself! Everyone was looking for him and when we found him he was perfectly fine.
I knew his family before he was born. I worked with his mother at South Kingstown high school.
I am so sadden by the loss of this boy. He was always the baby hanging around the older kids. He will be remembered and missed by my whole family.
I talked to Ben here and there but he was a good kid. Sorry for ur loss Mrs. English
I was to talk to Ben in school here and there. He was a good kid
We met Ben a few years ago and were impressed how smart he was, how much love he had for mom and how much he picked with John… Great sense of humor!
Heaviness filled my heart and tears to my eyes learning of Benjamin’s passing. Words could never express how truly sorry I am. May his laughter and light forever be in our memories.
Uncle David and Julie, I have no words to convey my sorrow for the loss of Ben. You are in our prayers.
I had Ben in my class, and Heather is my friend and colleague.
He loved to read, and he loved animals. He talked about his pets often.
I shared two pictures of Ben from 2009 when we had an impromptu cookout. The caption in 2009 read “Such personality”…that describes Ben!
I am so sorry to hear about Ben’s passing. I was one of his teachers in the Teddy Bear room when he was small. I absolutely loved the little boy he was and have such fond memories of him then. He was a wonderful little boy and I have no doubt he was a amazing young man. I am devastated. It’s been many years but I loved all my children’s center kiddos. I send light and love to his family and friends and I hope Ben knows nothing but love and peace.
When he came into classroom with big brother Zach.
He was kind to others.
He knew what he wanted.
He always helped others.
Ben’s curly hair and smile were beautiful to see. He always had a question.
Ben had the cutest sheepish grin and was always up to something.
Ben was in Mr. Bell’ kindergarten class and I was the Ed tech. I also had Zach in kindergarten and got to know the family.
John, Heather and Zach – words can’t express my comprehension of your loss. My thoughts are with you.
His curly hair.
I am proud that you graduated.
Heather Zach, and John, words alone can never express my sympathy. I wish that I could take the hurt away from you. Just know that even though we are far apart, I am thinking of all you and praying that all the good times that you all had with Benjamin, remain in your memories. He will be with you forever in your hearts.