Benedict L Cecala

August 17, 1943 - January 14, 2020

It is with great sadness that the family of Benedict Leonard Cecala announces his passing on Jan. 14, 2020, of natural causes, at the age of 76. Ben was born on Aug. 17, 1943, in Brooklyn, NY, to Benedict and Bertha (Margiotta) Cecala. A native Brooklynite, Ben graduated from Fort Hamilton High School and then joined the United States Air Force. After his service, he worked in various professions until he and his wife Millie opened CB Stop, an electronics store in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, in the late 1970s. The electronics store specialized in CB radio equipment, and after more than 20 years in operation, the store became and remained a local institution. In 2001, The New York Times wrote that, “the crossroads for commerce for the city’s CB world is the CB Stop.” Millie told The Times, “My husband used to sit and drink cognac while he talked on the radio.” The two of them had a joint CB handle: Cognac Base. Growing up, Ben was a fan of the Brooklyn Dodgers, until they abandoned the city. In later years he pledged his allegiance to the Mets. Ben was a member of the Kings County Kennel Club for many years and he participated in dog sports and shows with his huskies. An avid reader, he spent much of his time in retirement consuming adventure and mystery novels. He was himself a storyteller, frequently entertaining company with memories from the Brooklyn of his upbringing. Ben is survived by Millie, their daughters Christine and Danielle, and his beloved Aunt Rose. He will be dearly missed. In lieu of sending flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the American Cancer Society.