Benjamin Titera

Ben Titera 4/25/1979 6/18/2011

Benjamin Vincent Titera (32) died Saturday night following a crash in his personal aircraft. Ben was born on April 25, 1979 in Redmond, WA. Ben was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and he served a two-year mission for the church in Paris, France. He married Anne Olsen in the LDS Salt Lake City temple on August 29, 2002. Together they had two children, Kate and Christian. Ben excelled at everything he did. He did not believe in obstacles. He was the oldest of 5 boys and set the example for his brothers in athletics, academics and as an eagle scout. At Vestal High, he placed 2nd in the NY State Wrestling tournament. He obtained a full-ride wrestling scholarship to Brigham Young University. He graduated cum laude in accounting and began his career on Wall Street. Later, at Real Networks, he rapidly advanced to a Vice-President position. While working full-time, he earned an MBA from the Wharton School of Business.

Wherever Ben went, he made an impact. He was a loyal friend and made friends everywhere he lived including Texas, New York, Seattle, San Francisco and Utah. He left a lasting impression with his infectious smile, charisma and oftentimes, his tool belt.

Ben lived life to the fullest. He climbed to Base Camp of Mt. Everest, explored Asia, backpacked Europe, scuba dove in the Great Barrier Reef, ran with the bulls in Spain, drove cross-country on his Harley and went skydiving in Canada. He competed in marathons and triathlons including those in St. George, NYC, Big Sur, Seattle and Escape from Alcatraz. He recently completed the New Zealand IronMan.

Of all Bens accomplishments, his greatest was that of being a father. He loved his children deeply and they will miss him dearly.

He is survived by Anne and their children, Kate (6) and Christian (5), his parents, Cal and Irene Titera, his siblings Jamison & Molly, Adrian, Marcus, his niece Rita, and grandmother Mary Campbell. Preceeded in death by his brother, Christian and his grandparents: Evelyn Carlston (Gus), George Titera (Mary), and Vern Campbell.

Funeral services will be held at Noon Saturday, June 25 at the Kimball Ward, 2555 Kilby Rd, Park City, Utah 84098. A viewing will be held Friday, June 24 at Russon Brothers Mortuary (255 S 200 E, Salt Lake City) from 6-8 pm. And before the service from 10:30-11:30 am at the ward. Online guestbook available at www.russonmortuary.com.