Benjamin F. “Ben” Griffith, 89, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Saturday, August 29, 2026.
Ben was born on March 31, 1937, in Humphrey, NY to Roy J. and Dorothy M. (Chapman) Griffith. He graduated from West Valley High School in New York and went on to proudly serve his country in the United States Air Force.
After his military service, Ben earned his CDL and spent many years as a truck driver. He eventually retired and found his peaceful home among the mountains of Port Allegany, where he enjoyed the quiet beauty and simple pleasures of life.
On November 16, 1979, Ben married Wilma Kinney, who predeceased him on October 1, 1996. Ben carried her memory with him throughout the years that followed.
Ben was a man who appreciated the outdoors and the time-honored pleasures of life. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, and he especially cherished the time he spent with his little brother, Bill, working on home improvement projects and simply being together. Those moments, filled with companionship and the satisfaction of working side by side, were among the things that brought Ben happiness.
Ben is survived by two daughters, Patti Jo (Donald) Dickey and Lynn Ann Blakemore, both of Toledo, OH; two sons, Randy (Monalisa) Miles of Port Allegany, PA and Robert Miles of Pittsburgh, PA; four grandchildren, Dianna (Paul) Clawson, Mark (Robin) Dickey, Benjamin Griffith (Jennifer) Miles and Tammarrah (Joseph) Love; 16 great grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren.
Additionally, he is survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins, as well as his sister-in-law, Sandra Griffith, who lovingly cared for Ben following the passing of his younger brother, William Griffith. Ben also had a very good friend and neighbor Pat McElwee.
In addition to his wife, Wilma, Ben was predeceased by Joyce (Clear) Cook, the mother of his two daughters; a son, Rodney Miles; two sisters, Myrtle Carr and Mildred Reagel; three brothers, Leo Hadley, William Griffith, and Roy Griffith; and two nephews, Wayne Griffith and John Griffith.
Ben will be laid to rest beside his wife, Wilma, in Portage Valley Cemetery in Port Allegany on Monday (October 5) at 11:00 a.m. with full military honors.
Arrangements are under the direction of Baker-Swan Funeral Home in Wellsville/Scio, NY. Online condolences may be offered at www.baker-swan.com. © 2026 Baker-Swan Funeral Home.
