Benjamin J Tallerico
April 29, 1957 – March 23, 2021
Benjamin J. Tallerico, age 63 of Monroe, MI, who fought a courageous three-year battle with prostate cancer passed away on Tuesday, March 23, 2021, with his loving family by his side.
Born April 29, 1957 in Detroit, Ben grew up in St. Clair Shores and was the son of Benjamin and Julia (Szöke) Tallerico. Following high school, he received an undergraduate degree at Lawrence Technological University and two Master’s degrees at Wayne State University. His professional career started at DTE Energy, where he received the company’s highest award, the Alex Dow, for his work in economic development. However, his true life passion was being an urban planner; he served many cities over his 30-year career, including Toledo, Monroe, and Detroit. He also taught at nine colleges and universities throughout Michigan. His legacy will live on through his work planning, teaching, and serving his communities.
On June 11, 1994, Benjamin married Lori (Yoas) Tallerico in Las Vegas, NV. They were the true love of each other’s lives, and together, they went on to raise two beloved daughters. Ben’s greatest priority in life was his family and friends. He always enjoyed a gathering with the people he loved most, where he was the life of the party. Family vacations, dinners, and poker nights with his “crew” of friends were times he always cherished. He was known for his wit and sense of humor, and his love of all things jazz, Beatles, and cities. Ben will forever be remembered as a loving dad, husband, friend – and hero.
Ben is survived by his two daughters: Kelsey (Patrick) O'Neil of Carleton and Madison Tallerico of Monroe; his mother: Julia Tallerico of St. Clair Shores; and two sisters: Julie (Fred) Riedel of Phoenix, Arizona and Jane (Frank) Mazza of Rochester Hills.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Lori Tallerico and his father, Benjamin A. Tallerico.
A visitation for all family and friends will be held from 1:00 to 7:00pm on Sunday, March 28, 2021 at Rupp Funeral Home. A memorial life celebration will be held for both Ben and his late wife, Lori, on July 23, 2021 from 5 until 11 pm. at Fireman’s Park in Newport. More details will be shared in the coming months.
In lieu of flowers, donations have been suggested to the Benjamin J. Tallerico PSA Fund, set up in Ben’s honor to provide free PSA testing to men to prevent advanced prostate cancer.