Amherst Magazine Benjamin C. Iannotta '56

Deceased January 20, 2015

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50th Reunion Book Entry

In Memory

Ben Iannotta died last winter. We will certainly miss him as a real live-wire of our class. While at the College, Ben was outstanding in baseball and football. He remembered very positive involvement with staff, professors and coaches. He and Jim Jenkins ’56 were able to hunt and fish with some of them.

Some years later, at a reunion, he and his wife, Maxine, witnessed a “shop talk” session between Gage Hindle ’56 and Chuck Esty ’56. Ben said it was most entertaining.

For his army stint, he specialized in outdoor survival training. His business life centered on sales and marketing management of specialized magnetic electronic components. This included a business venture of a Massachusetts firm called DISCO. The company was sold to TD of Japan, and Ben retired as vice president and director three years later. His efforts included making parts for fine-resolution computer displays used by the medical industry and by the military.

After retirement Ben remained active in the business world as a consultant to Orwin Associates of Amityville, N.Y.

He was married to Maxine for 44 years. She died in 2000. Ben was uplifted by his companion of 11 years, Shirley O’Connell, who was with him as he died. He is survived by seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

James C. Blackburn ’56

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50th Reunion

After college, my military obligation was spent on assignment to a government agency, thanks to Amherst grads' recommendations. Quite an experience.

About Amherst. Aside from the experiences of many, some of my great memories were of involvement with staff, profs, and coaches. Jim Jenkins and I were lucky enough to hunt and fish with some of them- great times. Some years later, while fishing with Dean Wilson on the Quabbin, I asked him how he admitted me to Amherst. His reply - "Everyone has a batting aver­age!" 

Some years later at a reunion, my wife, Maxine (since deceased) and I witnessed a "shop talk" session between Gage Hindle and Chuck Esty - most entertaining as you can imagine.

My business life centered around sales and marketing management of specialized magnetic electronic components - the final stage of which involved a business venture of a Massachusetts firm called DISCOM. We sold the company to TDK of Japan and I retired as V.P. and director three years later.

I was married to Maxine for forty-four years and have three daughters, a son, and seven grandchildren. 

My present activities are centered around fishing ventures including fly fishing. We own a cabin on the Miramichi in New Brunswick, Canada. My son is a flats boat captain in the Florida Keys - have had great times there.

Over the last few years, have met with Amherst class­ mates over dinner and certain events such as fishing: Warren, White, Champ Young, Al Parker, Art Ellis, and others. Whitey also organized visits to Derek Hepworth during his illness.