Benjamin Joel Bean

PORTLAND – Benjamin Joel Bean passed away Thursday, Oct. 5, 2023, at the age of 49, at Maine Medical Center in Portland, surrounded by his loved ones.

Ben was born on Aug. 24, 1974, to Sonia and John Bean, Jr. He grew up in the Willard Square area of South Portland, graduating from South Portland High School in 1992.

To say Ben was, at his best, a hard worker is an understatement. Ben started working, most likely before it was legal for him to do so, on the working waterfront, like his maternal grandfather before him. He held more than one job on the waterfront; from being a stern man on a lobster boat, to processing dog fish, to packing lobsters. And boy did he stink when he got home. Thank goodness, the family home had a door leading directly to the basement, where the washing machine was, so he didn’t have to traipse through the house leaving his stench in his wake.

n the mid-late 1990s Ben went to work for New England Landscapes, and learned on the job, how to be a mason. This is a job Ben excelled at, and you can see his beautiful craftsmanship throughout the local area. After many years at NEL, Ben started his own company, BTL Designs with his business partner, Kenny, where together they continued designing gorgeous stonework.

Ben was a fan of many things, Phish, The Grateful Dead, “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia”, Mom’s ribs and potato salad (actually he loved anything Mom made), adventures with Dale, including a side trip to Hawaii, and sports.

Ben was a sports lover from a young age, whether it was playing catcher in his little league games, participating in mountain bike races, or running the Beach to Beacon. Ben got the athletic gene in the family and excelled in whatever he took on. However, Ben didn’t just participate in sports, he also liked watching them. Whether it was watching the Sox, Celtics or Pats on TV, or taking in Max and Olivia’s sporting events. He loved a game with action. And let’s not forget Ben’s obsession with the Tour de France and Lance Armstrong, at the height of his fame, right down to the USPS hat he wore everywhere.

Ben was predeceased by his maternal grandparents Margaret and Wilho Tiensivu and his paternal grandparents Mary and John Bean, Sr.

Ben is survived by his beautiful children, Olivia Bean and Maxwell Bean; his parents Sonia and John Bean, Jr.; and his sister, Alyson Bean, all of South Portland. Ben is also survived by his girlfriend, Leah Morrison of Westbrook.

A celebration of life will take place on Sunday, Oct. 29 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Elizabeth Hobbs Hospitality Center, 230 Cottage Rd., South Portland.

Online condolences may be expressed at http://www.hobbsfuneralhome.

Ben loved dogs, so in lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation

in his name to:

The Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland

P.O. Box 336

Westbrook, ME 04098

Arlgp.org/make-a-gift/donate/