Benjamin Charles Draper, Jr.

Benjamin Charles Draper Jr. passed away on June 19, 2023, at the age of 74, near his home in Chambersburg, PA surrounded by his loving family. His battle with ALS revealed both his incredible strength and his relentless positive attitude and zest for life.

Ben was born in Philadelphia, PA on September 14, 1948, the youngest child of the late Benjamin Charles and Clara Draper.

He is survived by his loving wife of 25 years, Joyce Draper; his six children, Joey Draper, Gretchen Sortzi, Tracy Kuenher and husband Ryan, Randi Halstead and husband Paul, Gabriel Sortzi and wife Star, Brett Draper and wife Brielle; his twelve grandchildren, Haley Sortzi, Trinity Halstead, Faith Sortzi, Myles Kuehner, Lukas Sortzi, Jackson Kuehner, Aubrey Draper, Madeline Kuehner, Taylor Draper, Hudson Halstead, Ryder Halstead, Kingsley Draper; his best friends Emil DiTullio, Steve Miller, Kyle Miller and Mike McKelvey; his brother in law Bob O’Connor and nephew John O’Connor. He was preceded in death by his sister Barbara O’Connor.

Ben attended Penn State University and worked for the Fort Washington post office as a clerk and carrier. Ben became a journeyman electrician in 1971 after his time with the Local Union 380 I.B.E.W. Ben served proudly in the Air Force reserves for six years in the 1970’s. He was hired by GE Aero Space to work on the Data Networks in September of 1986, going on to become a Project Manager. At this time Ben ran track for the Philadelphia Masters, GE, and Lockheed. Ben continued forward to have a thriving career with Lockheed Martin as a Senior Project Engineer retiring in 2015. Ben loved his job, his coworkers, and contributing to the world.

Ben had an exceptional love of life. He loved travel, long rides, and the wonders of nature. Ben had a passion for knowledge, learning, and passing that knowledge to his kids. He was a man who knew how to find joy in all the small things and could have a good attitude doing anything. Besides the many wonderful hobbies and adventures of his life, his greatest enjoyment was being a dad to six wonderful children he talked to daily, his 12 grandkids and as a husband to his wonderful wife, Joyce.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Friday, June 23, at 11:00am at the Chambersburg Church of the Brethren, followed by lunch. A time of visitation will precede the service at 10 a.m.    

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