Bennie Sciacca
...member of the Phoenix Project; 83
TEWKSBURY - Benjamin "Bennie" Sciacca, age 83, a resident of
Tewksbury for over 50 years, died Friday morning, March 20, at Saint's
Medical Center in Lowell.
He was born in Lawrence, the son of the late Lorenzo and Assunta (Delisi)
Sciacca. He attended Lawrence Public Schools for six years then spent ten
years at grade school in Lawrence. He was employed at the Textile Mills in
Lawrence, Goodwill, and Rotary Plastics from 1947 to 1954. He lived
independently at the Hotel Ormond in Lynn. He lived at the Sunlight House
in Scituate, and Hedstrom's Boarding House on Lee Street in Tewksbury.
When the house closed, the seven residents were held together by the
formation of the "Phoenix Project" based in the converted community center
building at the Flucker Heights senior housing community. With the help
and conviction of State Representatives and State Senators, funding was
obtained for a permanent community home on Roy Way, adjacent to their
Delaney Drive temporary home. As the last of the original seven "Phoenix
Project" members, he lived out his last days with dignity, and quality care on
Roy Way. Ben loved to talk about his younger years, family and the former
presidents. He enjoyed trips with his housemates and friends to the NH
White Mountains, MA and ME coast, and especially Disney World. He is
survived by a sister Velna Reynolds of TN, and a brother Guido Sciacca of
Lawrence. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, friends,
volunteers, and staff members who have provided a safe, dignified, and
loving environment for him and his housemates at Roy Way. Brother of the late Natina Forgione and William Sciacca.
His Funeral Mass was held Wednesday, Mar. 25, at 10:00 a.m. in St. William's Church, Tewksbury. Burial was in in Bellevue Cemetery, Lawrence.
Memorials to the Patient Activities Fund, 1 Roy Way, Tewksbury, MA 01876
or to the Perkins School for the Blind, 175 North Beacon St. Watertown, MA 02472 will be appreciated.