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Memories of Ben Chitty

By VVAW

2024-01-26
Hello Jeff,

Ben Chitty
1947-2024
USN 1965-9 VN 1966-7, 1968
Life Member VVAW

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June Svetlovsky
Anyone that met Ben Chitty knew that he was truly dedicated to the Clarence Fitch chapter of VVAW and to promoting it's message of veteran's rights and peace with justice.

I worked with him doing layout on some of the literature he wrote for handouts or announcements. When Ben looked over a printout, he'd send back a page or two of rewordings (substitute Voters demand... with The American people demand...). Not being overly finicky, just untiring in his effort to say exactly what needed too be said.

But at the end of that list he invariably added "That being said, this thing just needs to be put to bed." I always felt the unnderlying message was let's get this done and move on to the next. Not surprising that Ben kept holding off retirement. There was always something else out there that had to be put to bed.
I shall miss you Ben. Rest in peace.

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Greg Payton
I just renewed my membership in VVAW, this morning. My next call was to be to Ben to catch-up.

To receive this email was shocking.

Steady Ben, always presenting outlooks and situations that made me ponder. A real Patriot he will leave a gap.

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Jerry Lembcke
It was always a treat to see Ben at VVAW events. Often sitting quietly at a literature table aside the mainstream of political and social activity, Ben's presence invited thoughtful engagement on the issues of war and peace, and veterans affairs.

My best to Ben and his friends,

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Steve Geiger
My brief thoughts: "Truly, One of the tall timbers has fallen." Ben along, with the other founders, spoke truth to power and provided sustenance to those of us who knew the war was wrong; they led and succeeded in shedding light on the US govt's continuing lies that promoted an immoral and corrupt war. He always presented a cogent, intelligent and quotable rebuttal to the lies being spouted from the right. We are all indebted to his leadership and courage.

PRESENTE

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Marc Levy
I met Ben through Mike Gillen. Ben was one of the most fiercely sincere and knowledgeable anti-war Vietnam vets I've ever know.

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Patrick McCann
Long live the memory and spirit of Ben Chitty for living a life of service to the people.

I will never forget his graciousness and courage. Thank you, Ben for being you, and carrying on the tradition of the Clarence Fitch chapter of VVAW. Blessed are those who dedicate their lives to serving the people and striving for peace and justice.

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Lorraine Cohen
Ben, such a steadfast presence. He is a caring committed labor and peace activist, respected by all with whom he was associated. He deserves another 20 years.

Terrible news. He is so unique, totally committed to peace, and the rights of workers. I and so many others will miss him. My condolences go out to his family, colleagues, and friends.

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Edward Laurson
We are all getting older and we never know how much more time that we will have. It's hard to think about our final years or solutions for others in the same situation. I keep looking forward and hope for the best for all of our brothers who have fought the good fight. Ben Chitty was on our side and we surely hope for a peaceful transition and his efforts will be remembered.

Peace and love to you Ben.

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Joe Miller
So very sorry to learn this….Ben was one of my first contacts when we began to set up a VVAW email list back in 1995.

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Tim Walsh
A really great guy. A shame to lose Ben, so soon after Mike Gold passed on.

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Bob Siegel
I am very sorry to learn of Ben's passing.

As a fellow member of the Clarence Fitch Chapter of VVAW since the late 1980s, I had the opportunity and good fortune to get to know Ben fairly well. Ben was a man of uncommon intelligence, thoughtfulness, and decency.

I will miss him.
RIP, Ben.

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Nadya Williams
A Good Man indeed.

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Joe Bello
Very sad news! Ben was a man of conscience and conviction and was instrumental in putting together many events around peace & justice. Queens College has services for its student veterans because of Ben. My condolences to his family and all who knew him. I will miss you Ben and hope Dave Cline & Mike Gold were there to welcome you.

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Tom Wetzler
R.I.P. Brother Ben.

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Danielle Zora
Came to TN when I was very sick and brought myself and my dog, Lambchop back to NY-Nice man.

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Nada Khader
WESPAC deeply appreciated working with Ben Chitty as a Veteran for Peace and VVAW. He had moral courage and rightful determination to work for a beautiful world where all people have the right and ability to live in peace, freedom and dignity.

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John Crandell
Surely, I never knew you Ben Chitty, but your's has been one hell of a familiar name to us all.

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Ed Damato
I mourn the death of Ben. He was a long time member of VVAW, committed to fighting for peace and justice and made all of us proud of him.

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Tom Gery
I don't know my comrade-in-arms but two characteristics emerge from his message: As a life long VVAW member he understood the horrible reality of the Vietnam War and he is demonstrating a certain courage as he moves toward his death. Such a man will be missed.

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Thomas Manthe
We plan on offering tobacco during the up coming full Moon to send Ben on his final journey. RIP Brother.

Ben Chitty at VVAW's 25th Anniversary in New York, May 31, 1992.

Per Odman, Michael Hayes, Ben Chitty at Veteran's Day in New York City, 2011.