Marine from Harrison known for helping other veterans dies at 90

Benjamin DeFonce was 90 years old when he died Sunday.

News 12 Staff

Sep 21, 2021, 4:37 PM

Updated 1,174 days ago

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A man known throughout Harrison for his work with military veterans for over 60 years has died.
Benjamin DeFonce was 90 years old when he died Sunday.
He served in the Marines during the Korean War and received two Purple Hearts.
When he returned home, his work with veterans began. That included working as veterans service officer of Harrison and directing the town's Memorial Day and Veterans Day parades.
His family says he was always willing to help fellow veterans.
DeFonce is survived by his devoted companion, two daughters and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
A wake will be. held Thursday at Coxe and Graziano Funeral home in Mamaroneck, with a funeral Friday at Saint Gregory the Great Roman Catholic Church in Harrison.