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Siegfried Hellring lit a candle
Sunday, February 5, 2023
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I had the pleasure of playing with Wayne when he joined Mario & The Immortals. I played tenor sax in the band. Wayne was an amazing guitar player. At times, he played like Jimi Hendrix. He could play anything. He was very strong and physically fit. I can't believe he passed away so young. I will never forget his guitar riffs.
Siegfried Hellring-tenor sax player
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Michele Gulino posted a condolence
Wednesday, January 25, 2023
It's been 2 years since you left your earthly path. I still find it hard to believe that my friend, the buddy I took comfort in thinking, he'd always be there, left us all stunned and saddened by his swift departure, leaving us behind.
I wish I had spoken with you one last time before you left us, and I am sure I would have been left with a smile on my face as you were always interesting, entertaining and up for fun. I never was any good selling insurance, but that short lived job at John Hancock so many years ago, led me to a friendship which memories I cherish. You live on in my heart and mind. I love and miss you my dear friend. Michele Gulino
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Deven Patel uploaded photo(s)
Friday, April 8, 2022
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Sensei Ben Ali taught me karate in Belleville from 1985 to 1986. I think of him periodically and unsuccessfully tried to find him in the early 2000s. He was wonderful man who changed how I saw myself. He built up my confidence and trained me hard. What memories of practicing karate 4 nights a week in that dojo near Jackie's Lemon Ice and the former Red Shingle! We celebrated his 35th birthday together in a bar with a bunch of other karate folks (I was only 13 at the time... and did not have a drink). Here is a picture he took of me when I won my first karate trophy. He will always be remembered by me. Best wishes to his loved ones! Deven M. Patel
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Marie V Cole posted a condolence
Thursday, January 28, 2021
Condolences to the family of Wayne.
I worked with Wayne in the insurance industry and was taken by his calm, positive natured demeanor.
There was not a negative bone in his body, always a good word to say.
I only wish I had known so that I could tell him one last time what a good person he was in this world.
To a fellow coworker and Rutgers Alumni, rest well.
Bob and Marie Cole
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David Blazer lit a candle
Thursday, December 31, 2020
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I still cannot believe this. I knew Wayne in high school. He was such a positive person and a great guitarist. We hung out after high school but then lost touch. Facebook connected us again. It is no surprise that he continued to play the guitar constantly. He was so good. I still can’t figure out how he and Jiimi played guitar with their teeth.
With the passing of this ridiculous year, we have had to say goodbye to people prematurely. As long as we remember them, they continue to live on.
Wayne, I hope that you are jamming with Jimi up there!
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Michele Gulino uploaded photo(s)
Wednesday, December 30, 2020
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Over 40+ years of friendship with Wayne were amazing. No matter where I lived, and I am in Florida for 17 years now, we always stayed in touch and remained friends. I met him working at John Hancock, in Clifton, NJ. On Friday's after work, we used to join a few fellow workers for what Wayne called Choir Practice, which was our way of letting off the tension from the work week. That's when I learned of Wayne's shared passion of all types of music, especially Jazz. On one of my returns in the late 80's for Christmas, I joined Wayne at a little club where I experienced his amazing talent as a guitarist. He and our mutual friend Winson Fung used to rib each other over who was the better guitarist, he always told me Winson was an amazing classical guitarist, when Winson wasn't around, of course. Two songs that come to mind for Wayne are "Time in a Bottle" and "Goodbye Pork Pie Hat".
Everyone who knew Wayne, knew they were in the company of someone special. He was brilliant, a talented musician, an accomplished master of Karate, had a fantastic sense of humor, was philosophical and passionate about life. He will be missed by many, but never forgotten. Our memories of him will keep him close in our hearts and alive in our minds. Rest in Peace my dear friend.
My sincerest condolences to his brother Russell, his family and all his many friends. May his memory bring you joy.
With Love,
Michele Gulino
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Michelle posted a condolence
Tuesday, December 29, 2020
Wayne Ben Ali
Wondrously gracious
Abundantly humane
Yielding gracefully with discipline
Natural Universal Citizen
Essential musician
Beneficent
Egalitarian
Natural
Affable
Loyal
Implicit
Rest in Peace
Love Mickie
Michelle Thomas, MD
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Liz (Henry) Richardson posted a condolence
Tuesday, December 29, 2020
I was blessed with Wayne's friendship for 52 years. We were high school sweethearts, and this deepened into a long and wonderful friendship. Wayne always encourage my music, and he introduced me to martial arts which I practice to this day. I will miss Wayne terribly. He was one of my anchor people, you know, the kind where you feel better just knowing he's in the world. I love you, Wayne, and I hope we meet again someday.
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Nancy Medwid posted a condolence
Tuesday, December 29, 2020
My deepest condolences to the family. Wayne was a wonderful, kind man who always made us laugh. He was a talented musician and loved talking about music. He will be truly missed.
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Nancy Medwid lit a candle
Tuesday, December 29, 2020
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Erika Choi lit a candle
Monday, December 28, 2020
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Winson Fung posted a condolence
Monday, December 28, 2020
Words cannot express the sadness and the loss of Wayne. We had met in the early 70s and went through the arduous CPCU program together. As an insurance instructor when Wayne was at the Hartford, Jean Andrucki, a passed PA employee was one of his students. I will remember the laughter, the music and the good times. My sincere and heartfelt condolences to Wayne’s family. RIP
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Harold M Busch lit a candle
Monday, December 28, 2020
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My sincere condolences go out to the family and extended family of Wayne Ben-Ali. We met each other at Rutgers in the late 1960s and I had the honor to train with him at Shihan Chirico's School of Karate throughout the 70's and beyond.
He was an amazing warrior and friend. He possessed a beautiful spirit and soul. I will remember all of the time and years we spent together. The World has lost a person that made a positive difference in all of the lives of those who knew him. May Ben-Ali Rest in Peace. I will see you on the "other side" my brother. God Bless.
The "Old Student"
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Marjorie Crump lit a candle
Monday, December 28, 2020
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Wayne you will be miss.
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Francis R. Rodriguez lit a candle
Monday, December 28, 2020
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W. Chang lit a candle
Monday, December 28, 2020
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Aysha Cox-Daniel uploaded photo(s)
Monday, December 28, 2020
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Please accept my Deepest condolences for the loss of such an amazing person. When we got the call my heart dropped, Wayne was not just a soulful gentleman with a huge heart and giving soul; he was kind, honest and open to trying new things, making new friends and enjoying life. In the 2 years we worked together, he became the completion of our cubicle, we talked, joked, worked hard, ate great meals and discussed everything. Quickly becoming fast friends and caring about each others well being; giving advice and sharing life's experiences and stories, sharing pictures and just being altruistic and positive. Even on days when positivity was hard to find the conversations got us through. You will be missed more than you could imagine Kind Sir, May You Sleep In Peace.
We got Wayne to participate in our Cubicle Halloween festivities, in true team fashion... He was always a great person to be around. You will be missed!
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Joseph Krystofik posted a condolence
Sunday, December 27, 2020
I first met Wayne at Shihan Cherico's Karate school in the mid-late 1970's when I would return to NJ on Christmas or summer break. We struck up a friendship that I was happy to rekindle through Facebook a couple of years ago. Wayne had impressive karate skills and was a formidable sparing partner. I regret that I wasn't able to see him again in person.
Please accept my deepest condolences.
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David Blazer posted a condolence
Sunday, December 27, 2020
I remember Wayne from my school. I remember an amazing guitarist and a very positive person. Though I haven’t seen him for many years, I grieve for this loss. I would have loved to see him again. I know we would have much in common. Sending deepest condolences to his loved ones.
David Blazer
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Darlene Acosta lit a candle
Sunday, December 27, 2020
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I have no words. He will be so very missed by family and friends alike.
So grateful for all the wonderful memories.
Rest in peace my dear friend. I will see you on the other side.
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Darlene Acosta lit a candle
Sunday, December 27, 2020
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Rest in Peace my friend. Your memory will always be a blessing.
See you on the other side.
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Cheryl Forbes posted a condolence
Sunday, December 27, 2020
I loved dancing with Wayne. I looked forward to seeing him every week to dance Rueda de Casino at my church. He would wear an interesting t shirt, often political every week and would button his shirt that was over it oh so slowly with a cheeky grin on his face. When I last spoke to him he was going to take me to the gun range to learn how to shoot. I never felt comfortable with this idea until I spoke to Wayne. I’m going to miss him so much. I’m blessed to have known him.
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The family of Wayne Ben Ali uploaded a photo
Saturday, December 26, 2020
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The family of Wayne Ben Ali uploaded a photo
Saturday, December 26, 2020
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The family of Wayne Ben Ali uploaded a photo
Saturday, December 26, 2020
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The family of Wayne Ben Ali uploaded a photo
Saturday, December 26, 2020
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Steve Mikhlin posted a condolence
Thursday, December 24, 2020
My sincerest condolences to the Ben-Ali family on the loss of Wayne.
I first met Wayne when I interviewed him for a job in Risk Financing department of the Port Authority. Wayne impressed me with his knowledge, experience, and his very laidback and mature attitude.
Though our paths crossed for only a brief rime, I am certainly better for having known him.
Godspeed.
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Edward J. Bolden, Jr. posted a condolence
Thursday, December 24, 2020
My wife, Adrienne, have been friends since the 4th grade and I met Wayne in the 9th. I remember thinking at that time "Who is this guy and what is he about?" I made it my business to learn more about him and I am glad that I did as our friendship lasted over 55 years. Wayne was like the brother I never had. We shared a lot of good times together going into NYC as teenagers, going to a bar in the Village that served us well before we were 18, going to his Karate tournaments, our participating in Fam Jams which were a ball, going to the shooting range. I left NJ after high school, but whenever I came back to Montclair, Wayne was one of the first person I would contact and we would pick up right where we left off. Wayne held a special place in Adrienne and my heart. Adrienne and Wayne enjoyed their musical relationship. We will miss him sorely, his decency, dependability, his sense of humor, and his companionship. Wayne was more than a friend; he was a pall bearer for all four of our parents funerals, he was in our wedding, His was truly a life well lived. We both will miss him terribly.
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Catherine Cesco-Cancian,Sensei posted a condolence
Thursday, December 24, 2020
My lesson with Mr.Ben Ali is my first memory of training in the martial arts. I Loved it! Not long after he presented me with his yellow belt! He inspired me, that gesture gave me the confidence that led to a lifetime of training and love of the art! I now have my own karate students. We touch people’s lives is ways we don’t even know. Time is too short. He will be missed......
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Mary Acosta posted a condolence
Thursday, December 24, 2020
A friend and a karate mentor. He was a gentle giant, and just as fierce in karate. He touched the hearts of all who knew him. My sincere condolences to his family and friends. He will forever be in my heart. Mary Acosta
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The family of Wayne Ben Ali uploaded a photo
Thursday, December 24, 2020
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Dan Anderson posted a condolence
Thursday, December 24, 2020
Accept our prayers our prayers on behalf of the soul of thy servant departed, and grant him an entrance into the land of light and joy, in the fellowship of thy saints. Rest in PEACE
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Robert Hedesh posted a condolence
Wednesday, December 23, 2020
A great champion with the heart of a lion and the soul of a saint. May he rest in the arms of our lord.
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Robert Hedesh uploaded photo(s)
Wednesday, December 23, 2020
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Frank Mastroianni posted a condolence
Wednesday, December 23, 2020
Mr. Wayne Ben Ali was a gentleman. He was respected and admired by his friends and fellow karate-ka. His quiet manner and deep knowledge of karate will be remember for a long time. With my deepest sympathy to his family and friends, Frank Mastroianni
973-762-2200 (Jacob A. Holle Funeral Home)
973-762-1133 (Preston Funeral Home)
jacobhhollefh@aol.com
prestonfh@aol.com
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153 South Orange Ave. | South Orange NJ | 07079
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