Benedict F. Urbish

Benedict F. Urbish, 84, died peacefully at home on September 10, 2016 with his family by his side. Ben was born January 18, 1932, in East Bernard, Texas, the son of Frank V. Urbish and Mary Helen (Drozd) Urbish. He graduated from Sam Houston State University with a BA in Accounting and served in the Air Force during the Korean War. As a regional auditor for Tenneco Oil, he transferred to Denver in 1957. He joined the St. Thomas University Club, a Catholic social/civic organization, where he met Mary Rita Barclay. Ben won her heart with his kind, easy-going nature and his ability to jitterbug. His small town charm, shared foundation of Faith, and ready response of ""Why not!"" sealed the deal. Ben and Mary Rita married August 23, 1958 at St. John's Catholic Church in Denver. They had three daughters; Florence, Marycarol, and Celeste. His career started with Tenneco Oil and included Martin Marietta (now Lockheed Martin), and C.F. Hoeckel Co., a family-owned office supply/commercial printer. Ben enjoyed a life-long love of sports: playing, coaching, and cheering from his recliner with the radio on and the TV muted. He ran track, played basketball, football, and slow- and fast-pitch softball. He coached high school football and basketball for St. Andrew Avelino Seminary in Denver. He could recite stats like a pro and always knew an athlete's hometown. As a 60 year member of the Knights of Columbus, he served faithfully and steadfastly in many capacities, including: Grand Knight & Financial Secretary of Bishop Matz Council 5161; Fourth Degree and Honor Guard; Chairman, Special Olympics; Coordinator, Tootsie Roll Campaign; Transportation Coordinator/Driver, Carron Center Coffee House for Persons with Disabilities; State Pro-Life Chairman; Transportation Coordinator, World Youth Day 1993; Financial Secretary, John H. Reddin Assembly 87; and Coordinator of the Chalice Club, John H. Reddin Assembly 87. Although the road of life took Ben away from his hometown of East Bernard, his family, friends, and Czech heritage were always close to his heart. He enjoyed biannual visits when his young family was growing, and more frequent visits once they were grown. He looked forward to Urbish family reunions, as well as high school and college class reunions. One of the highlights of his life was traveling to the Czech Republic with Klub Kontinental (Rudy and Henrietta Klecka). He is survived by daughters: Florence (Scott) Sebern, Marycarol (Keith) Liddle, and Celeste (Dan) Orr; grandchildren: Erin, Colin, and Brendan Sebern, Dustin Liddle (Larry) Moulton, Carla Liddle (Justin) Minnich, and Michelle Liddle; Rachel and Stephanie Orr, Kevin and Kyle Schulte; great-grandchildren Dylan Minnich, Paige and Larry Moulton III, and Mckenzie Moulton; sisters Martha Andel Janik, Bernice Andel Janik, brother Daniel Andel. He is preceded in death by his parents, Frank V. and Mary Helen Urbish, beloved step-mother Julia Andel Urbish, sisters Georgia Urbish Burnside, Henrietta Urbish Klecka, Mary Andel Zahn, Janie Andel Oldag, brothers Justus Urbish, Adolph Andel, Edmund Andel, and grandson Ian Sebern. Visitation will be held Sunday, September 18, 2016, 4:30 p.m., Recitation of the Rosary at 5 p.m., Horan and McConaty Family Chapel, 1091 South Colorado Boulevard, Denver, Colorado, 80246. A Funeral Mass will be Monday, September 19, 2016, 10 a.m., St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, 2375 East Arizona Avenue, Denver, Colorado, 80246. Arrangements through Horan & McConaty. Memorial contributions suggested to The Denver Hospice, 501 S. Cherry St. #700, Denver, CO 80246. Mass intentions welcomed and greatly appreciated. Please share memories of Ben and condolences with his family by signing the guestbook below.