Benjamin L. Raccio 88 of Hamden, Connecticut passed away on June 16, 2023 at Benchmark Senior Living Center of Hamden. Born in Westville CT in 1935, Ben was the son of Ruth and Louis Richo. He is survived by Theresa his wife of 65 years, and his three children Janice (Robert), Joseph (Dawn), and Paul (Beth). His legacy lives on through his 7 grandchildren Jonathan (Christine), Benjamin (Julianne), Meredith (Joe), Loren (Daniel), David, Madeline, and Jessica. The light of his life also lives on through his 9 great grandchildren Connor, Jaxon, Adelina, Nora, Owen, Julien, Willow, Logan, and Jiovani. Ben is also survived by his brothers Frank Richo (Jeana), Ron Richo (Joan), and was predeceased by his brothers Philip Richo (Katherine), Louis Richo, John Buzzard (Louise), and his nephew Dan Richo.
Family was everything to Ben, and for 57 years he was joined by his wife, children, and eventually grandchildren and great grandchildren for an annual family vacation at Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire. Benjamin was an avid golfer at Laurel View CC, a Yale hockey fan, a Red Sox diehard, and a UConn Husky Women's Basketball fanatic. Ben gave his time and service to his country, his community, and his church.  He devoted many years working and coaching for the Hamden Youth Hockey League, where he also served as a board member and as president. He was a member of the National Guard, a eucharistic minister at Blessed Sacrament Church in Hamden, and a member of the Knights of Columbus. He worked hard his entire life, finishing his career as a Hardware Salesman for Hawley Hardware. Ben will be remembered as an entertaining storyteller and for his ability to make people laugh. He was respected and loved by many. Friends are invited to attend calling hours from 5:00 - 8:00 PM on Thursday June 22, 2023, in the Peter H. Torello & Son Funeral Home, 1022 Dixwell Avenue, Hamden, CT. Friends are asked to go directly to St. Rita's Church, 1620 Whitney Ave, Hamden, on Friday June 23, 2023 at 10:00 AM for a Mass of Christian burial.  Interment will follow at All Saints Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favorite charity in Ben's memory.