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  Benjamin Shuman
Benjamin Shuman, fondly known as Ben, was born on June 17th, 1916 in Port Chester, New York. He had a sister Fanny and a brother David and in Rye his family lived at 5 Blind Brook Lane. Benjamin enlisted and served in the U.S. Army during World War II.
He served in the Army for three years during World War II. Ben was inducted into the Army in December 14, 1942, and stationed in Italy and Algiera as a Mess Sargeant for the Stars and Stripes Newspaper Staff; this position spared his life from the dangers of front line combat. He earned an EAME Service Medal (European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal created by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, for those who served in North Africa and Middle East during WWII), a Good Conduct Medal, and a World War II Victory Medal. While serving his country, his young wife, Sarah, waited lovingly for his return (they were married in January of 1942).
Upon returning from war in 1945, Ben and his brother, Dave, purchased what became The Rye Delicatessen on Purchase Street, a delectable fixture in Rye, with Ben making the best sandwiches in town for 35 years. Ben knew what it took to be successful, and was up early every morning to insure that the store was open at 7:00 a.m., with Ben working (6) days a week, taking an hour dinner break with his family, and then back to the store so that he could close it up for the day by 10:00 p.m.
The precious family that Ben helped to create included three children: Marcia, Ira and Lori, with Sarah, the absolute love of his life. The Shuman Family resided at
18 Oakwood Avenue, a walking distance to Playland and Rye Beach. It was a home of fond memories for all his family and friends, with Sarah insuring that holidays were a tradition.
Instilling important lessons in life by example was key for Ben. Dedication and providing for his family was who Ben was. He always embraced his wife and children, showing deep loving affection, along with kindness to his fellow man, generosity to friends and caring for those in need. Ben loved in a very generous quiet humble manner, the love that was deep, the love that you don’t forget.
When Ben was able to take his white apron off and relax, he loved smoking a pipe, a good cigar, fishing, playing golf, poker with the guys, bridge with his couple friends, catching a Broadway show in Manhattan, and dancing cheek to cheek with Sarah. The two made it a point to leave all behind to cruise the islands, or spend a week in the Catskill Mountains for precious vacation time.
Ben and Sarah moved to Delray Beach, Florida in the early 1980’s, with Sarah leaving this earth at the young age of 64 years old in 1981. This was truly a heartbreak for Ben, who quietly left his family years later on February 21st, 1997 in Delray Beach, Florida.
We truly miss you Dad. You had the sweetest smile and the gentlest soul to everyone who knew you. You were the glue to our family, the glue that instilled true love.
Benjamin Shuman, 80, of Delray Beach, FL died February 21, 1997. Beth Israel Memorial Chapel, Delray Beach.
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Submitting Our Father's Story 
