Benjamin DiMartino passed peacefully at Sentara Princess Anne Hospital on July 4, 2023. He was born on August 22, 1942 in Norristown, PA where he grew up. After serving in the Army, he attended Temple University where he studied Philosophy. Moving to Virginia Beach, VA in 1971 he decided to join a tour traveling from Stonehenge to the Pyramids. It was on that incredible journey that he met Frances along the Nile in Luxor. They were married the following year.

They made Virginia Beach their home, raising two sons, Michael, and Nicholas in their little yellow Cape Cod home. In the late 70’s they started a cottage industry calling it Birdcloud Creations. They worked side by side designing and creating original quilts and pillows. They traveled to art shows throughout the east coast for several years. In the early nineties when Frances finished design school, they recreated Birdcloud Creations to Interiors. Benjamin was incredibly talented mastering custom window treatments and upholstery. Clients followed and again his talents flourished.

Benjamin wore his love for all things Italian on his sleeve. His love for the arts was endless. It defined his work whether on canvas, in fabrics or in his garden. His love for dancing to rock and roll regularly drew him to American Bandstand in the late 50’s. His gifted voice and love for classical music started in the Catholic Church. It led him to the Temple University Choir under the conductor, Robert Page in the late 60’s. When he moved to the beach, he joined the Virginia Beach First Presbyterian Church where he sang for 45 years.

His humor was contagious, but Benjamin’s greatest gift was his generous spirit and kind heart. The love for his sons and his granddaughter, Sophia, was an unbreakable bond. Benjamin and Frances shared a love story that lasted a lifetime. They would have celebrated their 50^th anniversary on July 15.

After falling extremely ill in September of 2021 he became a full-time resident of Princess Anne Health & Rehab center. There he was loved and cared for by an amazing team of nurses, physical therapists, and care takers until his passing. They became part of our family, and we will be forever in gratitude for their arduous work, but more importantly the kindness and laughter they shared with him every day.

Benjamin was preceded in death by his father, Martin, his mother Lillian, and his brother Peter. He is survived by his wife Frances, his 2 sons, Michael and Nicholas, his granddaughter, Sophia, his brother Martin, his nephews Peter and Mario and several cousins.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, July 21, 2023 at First Presbyterian Church in Virginia Beach with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Virginia Beach First Presbyterian Church. Please visit www.vacremationsociety.com to share memories and offer condolences.