Cerrone, Bernard M. (Ben), 82 years old, born March 31, 1939, died December 23, 2021 from complications of a stroke surrounded by his loving family. Born to Federico and Giuseppa Cerrone in Sora, Italy, Ben and his family immigrated to the United States in 1947, settling in Jamaica, NY. He worked from a young age at various jobs to help the family thrive in its adopted country. He attended Bishop Loughlin High School in Brooklyn, NY on a scholarship. He put himself through college, graduating from St. John’s University with honors. He served his country as a member of the Army Reserves. A consummate businessman and entrepreneur, he established several successful marketing and advertising concerns. He married his wife, Barbara, in 1982. He was an avid reader, loved to travel (especially to his beloved Italy), enjoyed a good round of golf and his garden. Renowned for his cooking, Ben was famous for his vodka sauce recipe. Family and friends knew him to be a loving and constant presence in their lives, always willing to lend an ear or a helping hand. His advice, quick wit, joie de vivre, and kind and loving manner were the hallmarks of his life. In addition to his wife, Barbara, he is survived by three children - Carolyn (Eric), Marc (Kate), and Christopher (Carrie) - three grandchildren (Marc Luke, Grant and Amanda), his sister Catherine Testani, as well as many extended family members and his beloved nieces and nephews.

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Please send flowers no later than Monday December, 27 to Chapey & Sons in East Islip.