Benjamin John Dziuba, 40, passed away on July 4, 2016.
He was born on March 18, 1976 to his adoring parents Benjamin and Lou Ann Dziuba and lived a storybook childhood with them and his sisters and brother.
He was a graduate of the University of Central Florida in Orlando Florida and Dell'Arte International School of Physical Theater in Blue Lake CA. He was an accomplished actor, creative art director, programmer, UI / UX designer, and artist with accolades in all. An agent in a large firm once said, "We have no one like Ben. He's just amazing. It's like he has two brains."
It showed in his impressive professional life, from Steve Jobs approving his design work in California to freely donating his time and talent to Clowns Without Borders, to a popular off-Broadway play produced and performed by he and his wife in NYC, he gave everything he had to every project, and achieved great success.
In 2010 Ben married the love of his life Kristin Johansen and they proved to be a perfect match as they built a beautiful world together with 'the irrepressible Izzy' in NYC, creating, accomplishing, laughing, loving and dancing their way through trials most of us will never have to face.
Once diagnosed, he created a website to help others fighting cancer called thezipperlegchronicles.com. Articles like 'All the Side Effects they Don't Tell You About Chemotherapy' and other musings help patients and families cope with (much!) laughter.
Ben lived his life filled with joy, optimism and love. He continued to make all of us laugh more and think a little deeper each moment we spent with him. The statement 'he was admired and loved by many' doesn't seem like it's enough.
Ben leaves behind a loving and devoted wife Kristin Johansen, a beloved and loving step-daughter Izzy, adoring and beloved parents Ben and Lou Ann, loving siblings Jennifer 'Nif' Kozlansky, Catherine 'Cathy' Biro, Michael Biro, a devoted Aunt Patricia Benner, Uncle Richard Benner, cousins Lindsay, John Benner and a host of beloved aunts, uncles, cousins and wonderful friends and colleagues who are left with 'a Ben-shaped dent' forever in their hearts.
A memorial and celebration of his life will be held on August 10, 2016 at 7:00 p.m. at the 4th Universalist Society at 160 Central Park West (corner of 76th St) in New York City
Wear bright colors to symbolize Ben's joy.
Support for his young family may be shown at thezipperlegchronicles.com.
I only remember Ben one way- smiley and very energetic :) It looks like that carried through in everything that he did in his life. The way that he lived his life is very inspiring, and I am so sorry for this loss to his family and everyone that is left with a "Ben-shaped dent" in their hearts without him.
