Benjamin DeRubertis

Benjamin DeRubertis, age 93, beloved husband for 71 years of Nancy (nee Zakely), loving father of Michael (Connie), Ben Jr., and Diane (husband Ronald Vitale) DeRubertis, devoted grandfather of Rachel Burrows (Geoff), Matthew DeRubertis, Nina Park (Owen), great grandfather of Maliyah, Rhea and Miles, loving son of Anthony and Mary (nee Magri) DeRubertis (both deceased), loving brother of Mary Jane DeRubertis (deceased).

Born to immigrant Italian parents in Collinwood, Ben's dream was to attend art school. His high school Art teacher suggested a scholarship to The Cooper School of Art, but he only received a partial one. When his scholarship ran out, he joined the Air Force, and found himself stationed at Ft. Belvoir, just outside of Washington, DC. He wrote to Nancy, who he had met at Collinwood High, on a daily basis, and they were married on February 6, 1954 in Alexandria, Virginia. As providence would have it, he was one of the service members chosen to work in the White House Art Department, instead of the Ft. Belvoir motor pool. His civilian boss there turned out to be related to someone who would forever change his life without Ben's even knowing it! In downtown Cleveland, there was a calligraphy studio opened in 1929 by his White House civilian boss' brother. This relationship was unknown to Ben until he moved back to Cleveland and applied for a job at the same studio. It was then that he learned of the connection between the two brothers. Upon the owner's retirement, Ben took over the studio.

After the studio moved to different downtown locations on Cleveland's Public Square, it was eventually moved to Lyndhurst in 1982. 

A humble man of many interests, Ben was the last one to expect a compliment for his beautiful artwork, let alone tell you he had received one. Ben's son, Ben, Jr. worked with him daily at the studio, which moved to its current location in Cleveland Heights about 15 years ago.

Ben was devoted to his wife and loved being with his family. His smile and warmth was loved by all, and he easily made a stranger into a friend.

 His interests throughout the years included bowling, golf, photography and travel. Ben enjoyed working in his garden, being especially proud of his fig trees. Ben loved all art, and found beauty in many things in life, especially nature. He was kind, caring and generous. Proud of his Italian heritage, Ben enjoyed volunteering at the Italian Center in Akron, helping with many meals and events there.  

Family and Friends are invited to gather for Mass of Christian Burial 10 am Saturday, July 26, 2025 at The Church of Saint Clare, 5659 Mayfield Road, Lyndhurst. FRIENDS MAY CALL AT THE FIORITTO FUNERAL HOME, 5236 Mayfield Road, Lyndhurst (East of Richmond Road) on FRIDAY, JULY 25, 2025 FROM 5 TO 7 PM. 

Interment will be private at Lake View Cemetery.