Obituary of Benjamin H. Tidy, Jr.

Benjamin H. Tidy Jr, ROME OH Marine Veteran Benjamin Harry Tidy JR, 63 gently passed away Sunday May 1, 2022, while a resident of Carington Park. Benjamin was preceded in death by his parents Benjamin H. and Florida A. Tidy of Jefferson, his sister Lillian M Foust and brother-in-law Wesley. Ben is survived by his sisters Pamela J Tidy-Sample and Penny L. (James) Kidner, three nieces and 6 great-nieces and nephews. After Graduating from Ashtabula Joint Vo-Ed school in Jefferson OH in 1977, Ben JR. joined the USMC, Ben figured he was good at taking orders because he had three sisters. While in the USMC Ben Trained and worked as a Helicopter Mechanic. He lost several good marine buddies in the Operation Eagle Claw rescue attempt of the 52 American embassy staff held hostage at the American embassy in Tehran on April 24, 1980. Every Year Ben remembered his fallen comrades with a salute to the American flag and a Beer for each one of them. As good friends do. During Ben's years of military service from 1977-1982, Ben flew with United States President, Jimmy Carter. He also personally met and had a short conversation with Actor John Wayne. Wayne woke Pt. Tidy, from his sound sleep on the beach, and asked for his name and where was he from. Then Mr. Wayne told Private Tidy that he was on private property and to please leave, Pt. Ben Tidy replied, "Yes Sir", and just stopped himself from saluting, Mr. Wayne laughed and thanked the very young marine for his service. Ben told us this story every time a John Wayne movie came on the TV. Ben never bragged about his heroism. Our Father told me about the time Ben and Four of his marine buddies were involved in a vehicle accident. A very large tool chest fell on top of Ben. The chest broke several ribs and punctured one of his lungs. Ben and another good citizen pulled the four marines from the vehicle just before it exploded in to flames. Dad told me about when he was invited to a dinner party, he informed the hostess that his son was Home on leave, and she invited Ben too. Sometime during the dinner, the hostess started choking. Ben performed the Heimlich maneuver and saved her life. I asked my brother all the how, what, when were and why questions. His humble answer was simply I wasn't thinking of myself. Someone needed help and I was there. Ben Lived by those few words "Someone needed help and I was there." But he never said he did he just did. Ben was often in the right place at the right time. Ben was always a good sport and would dress up as Santa Claus for parties with small children. Since he was away in the service, none of the family toddlers knew who he was. They were all convinced he was the real deal Santa Claus. Ben loved his family and that included every Aunt, Uncle and Cousin and in Laws. The bigger the family the better. Friendship was something that Ben honored and respected and he had many friends. The best part of Ben was his sense of humor. He believed and trusted in God. Whenever he heard someone say "OH Jesus Christ" or call out you "Son of a B-tch" he always said, just call me Ben, I don't need any higher praise. Ben was great at coming up with funny one liner jokes in the spur of the moment. Sometimes my brother made me so mad like now, why did you have to get sick and die so young. But, I can only remember the happy times with my brother, there was so many more of them. So, my brother take this with you. You were liked and you were loved! Ben's family would like to thank Cartington Park 2217 West Ave. Ashtabula OH 44004, 440-964-8446 and Hospice of the Western Reserve Ohio for taking such great care of him. Ducro Funeral Services and Crematory, 4524 Elm Avenue, Ashtabula, Ohio is assisting the family.www.ducro.com