Benjamin L. Szakacsi, Jr., age 81 of Collinsville, IL, born June 4, 1940, in East St. Louis, IL, passed away on December 7, 2021, at Memorial Hospital in Belleville, IL.

Benjamin was a retired welder and mechanic for Easton Tire in East St. Louis, IL.  His passion was fishing and working on cars.

He was preceded in death by the love of his life, Margaret "Tiny" ( nee Castillo ) Szakacsi, whom he married June 4, 1962; parents, Benjamin Sr. and Elizabeth ( nee Komoromi ) Szakacsi; and a grandson, John Manual Rodriguez, Jr.

Surviving are his six children: Kenneth (Jennifer) Szakacsi of Collinsville, Lisa Rodriguez of Collinsville, Lillian (Alan) Kelly of O'Fallon, Dennis (Patty) Szakacsi of Collinsville, Cathy Szakacsi of Collinsville, and Mary Szakacsi of Collinsville; sister, Mary Lillian Carlyle; two brothers:  John Szakacsi and Eugene Szakacsi; 14 grandchildren (which includes their spouses); 8 great-grandchildren; four brothers-in-law; one sister-in-law; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.  He will also be missed by his beloved cat "Tiny".

Visitation will be 10 a.m. to 12 noon on Thursday, December 16, 2021 at Barry Wilson Funeral Home, Maryville, IL.

Funeral service will follow at 12 noon with Rev. Ron Habermehl officiating.  Due to current state restrictions, masks are required to be worn.

Burial will be beside his wife at St. John Cemetery in Collinsville.

Memorials may be made to the family and will be received at the funeral home.