Benjamin Charles Weinreb

In Loving Memory of Benjamin Weinreb

Ben Weinreb passed away suddenly on May 30 in Roxboro, North Carolina, formerly of Wellesley, Massachusetts. He was 35 years old.

Ben was an Army veteran, a hard worker, a natural leader, determined in all that he did, and a man with a huge heart. Life did not always come easily to him, and he carried burdens that many of us could never fully understand. Yet behind those struggles was a beloved son, brother, uncle, veteran, and friend who was deeply loved.

Ben leaves behind his parents, Roger and Audrey (Didi) Weinreb; sisters, Kate Reed & husband Chris, Jill Weinreb & partner John Nevins; brother, Max Weinreb & wife, Liel Tikochinski; nieces, Amelia & Adeline Reed and Quinn Nevins; Uncles, Aunts & Cousins, Andrew Fisher, wife Serena & Michael; Peter Weinreb (deceased), wife Judy & David; Jani Goldman; Jill Simon; and Dale Landau.  A vital, cherished part of Ben's life were his Band of Brothers, who became his found family—men who shared his struggles, celebrated his victories, and whose lives were forever changed by his friendship, leadership, and unwavering loyalty.

In the days following Ben's passing, countless messages arrived from friends, fellow soldiers, and loved ones whose lives he touched. They remembered a man who was fiercely loyal, honest, compassionate, funny, and unapologetically himself. They spoke of his leadership, encouragement, willingness to help others, love for animals, and the way he always seemed to know when someone needed a call, a text, a laugh, or a friend.

Perhaps the greatest comfort to our family has been learning how many lives Ben touched. The outpouring of love revealed a truth we have always known: Ben mattered. He made a difference in the lives of many people, and his memory will live on in those who were fortunate enough to know and love him.

Our family plans to gather to celebrate Ben's life in the months ahead. As part of that celebration, we hope to honor his memory in Alaska, aboard the National Geographic Quest, where his brother works. The vast wilderness and quiet beauty of "The Great Alone" feel like a fitting place to remember Ben and gather together as a family. Details will be shared when arrangements have been made.   We also recognize that Ben's friendships stretched far beyond any one place. Rather than asking everyone to travel to a single location, we encourage his friends, fellow veterans, and loved ones to celebrate his life wherever they are—whether by gathering with friends, sharing stories, raising a glass, watching a sunset, helping an animal in need, or simply taking a moment to remember him. We hope those memories and celebrations will be shared with one another, creating a tribute as far-reaching as the life and friendships Ben built.

Please visit The Til Valhalla Project, which honors and remembers our nation's heroes with the message, "Where Heroes Live on Forever."  

For those wishing to make a charitable contribution in Ben's memory, donations may be made to Stop Soldier Suicide, 4242 Six Forks Road, Suite 1550, Raleigh, NC 27609 through the ROGER Wellness Services program.  It feels especially fitting that this program bears the name Roger, a serendipitous connection that reminds us of the love between a father and his son and the importance of supporting veterans who may be struggling in silence, or PAWS of New England, P.O. Box 542, Ashland, MA 01721, who placed "Axle" with us 13 years ago to be Shelby's companion.

Arrangements are by Strickland and Jones Memorial Funeral Services, 1810 Durham Road, Roxboro, NC 27573. Online condolences may be made at stricklandandjonesfs.com.

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