Benjamin Selby Nowell Jr., 66, of Fishkill, NY, died of natural causes on May 15, 2023. The first of four children born to Ellen Ozon Nowell and Benjamin Nowell Sr., Ben came roaring into life in December 1956.

His childhood was spent splashing through creeks, carousing through fields, and riding on bikes (pedal first, then motorized) throughout the south, with Plano, TX being the last of his childhood stomping grounds. While at Plano High, Ben twice earned invitations to the Texas State Wrestling Championships.

After high school Ben joined the Armed Forces, serving with distinction in Germany as an MP in the 636th Ordinance Command of the 7th Army. Upon his return to the States, Ben began a career as an iron worker, where he was an active member of Local 580. He was proud of the iron work he did on several NYC landmarks, including the Guggenheim Museum and the World Trade Center.  

After decades fabricating steel (with occasional side gigs as a chef), Ben made a late-career shift, becoming a member of the United States Postal Service in Utica, NY.  After retiring from the USPS, Ben, aka ‘Linedog’, found another family to join, serving as Master Sergeant at Arms for the Steel Horse Chapter of the Punishers Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club.

Besides his love for riding, Ben was an avid reader and hunter, who spent many hours listening to music while creating geometric line art. Of all his traits, perhaps the one that best defined Ben was the fact that he was atop many people’s list of ‘who will I call when I need help.’

Ben is predeceased by his wife, Kathleen (nee Pugh), father Ben Sr., and sister Elizabeth Cranston. He is survived by his mother Ellen, brother Christopher, sister Katherine, foster-son Joshua Lepage, numerous nieces and nephews, his Steel Horse family, myriad friends and a kick-ass custom Yamaha Midnight Star 1700.

A memorial service will be held on June 25th , 2 – 6pm, at the Knights of Columbus, Our Lady of the Lakes, Carmel, NY. All are welcome to join friends and family as we share food, drinks, stories, and comfort.

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