Urbano “Ben” Principe

Urbano “Ben” Principe passed away peacefully at Pinecrest Manor on Sunday, March 17, 2024, after a brief illness.

Ben was born June 30, 1932, in Ridgway PA to the late Mary (Piccirillo) and John Prencipe. He grew up and caused trouble on Rock Street in Ridgway with his three brothers, Jim (Dorothy), Anthony (Marilyn) and John (Dolores) who all preceded him in death.

Benny attended Ridgway Area High School before joining the Army in 1949. It was there he completed his high school education and went on to become a proud member and paratrooper instructor of the 82nd Airborne Division. His service included time during the Korean Conflict although he remained stateside. He received an honorable discharge in December 1952.

Also, during this time, he became the proud father of two wonderful children, Donna (Barry Harbin) & Steve (Tracy) Kash who remain in Georgia & Alabama respectively.

Upon returning to his hometown of Ridgway, PA, Ben met his sweetheart Joan (Carlson) at the downtown Market Basket where she worked. He chased her around until she said yes in 1959. It was at this same time he began his career as a Beautician.

His first position was held at Bella Donna Salon in Warren, PA. Shortly thereafter, he and Joan moved back to the area and Ben opened his first shop in St Mary’s – Principe’s Beauty Salon. His shops were located on South St Mary’s St, Washington Street, North St Mary’s Street, and Chestnut Streets in St Mary’s throughout his career. During his “heyday” having over a dozen operators and two shops running while starting and raising his family.

Ben spent over 65 years as a beautician and loved every minute of it. It was what kept him going during and after heart attacks, cancer treatments and a laryngectomy. His business and his clients meant the world to him.

Benny is survived by his son, Tim Principe, his wife Colleen and their sons, Alexander and Shawn (Luisa Balaniuc and son Alexandre) of Virginia, and his daughter Tami Catalone Weis her husband Martin and their children Giovanni, ViviAnne and Angelo (Catalone) of St Marys, Clarion, and Greensboro, NC.

A service celebrating Bennys life will be held Monday, March 25 at 11:00 AM at Krises Funeral Home, 130 Center Street Ridgway, PA, with Rev. Ron Burkett officiating. Military Honors will be accorded by the Ridgway, Johnsonburg, and Wilcox Burial Detail.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the James E. Van Zandt VA Medical Center DuBois Clinic in his memory.Krise Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 130 Center Street, Ridgway, PA 15853 is handling the arrangements and online condolences may be offered to the family at www.krisefuneralhome.com