President of Evola Music for 30 years, Benedict M. Evola, a graduate of St. Joe's Class of 1949, and loving husband of Nancy (nee Gallagher) for 66 years, died on August 5, 2020. Beloved father of Michael (Joanne Tepper), Janet Evola-Tate, James (Teresa), Joan Herrinton (Paul), Judy Evola (Robert Iseler), Jacqueline Evola (Julio Aravena). Dear grandfather of eleven and great grandfather of eleven. Brother to Mary Giamane.

Funeral Mass Monday, August 10, 2020, 11 a.m. at Prince of Peace Catholic Church, 4300 Walnut Lake Rd, West Bloomfield, 48323. Visitation at church begins 10:30 a.m. Due to COVID-19 and church limitations, attendance at this funeral viewing and mass is very limited to keep everyone who loved Ben safe. The family appreciates your continued prayers. The link to the video of Ben's funeral mass will be available on the Desmond website by Tuesday morning.

The family kindly requests no flowers or gifts. Instead, please make Memorial Tributes to Knights of Columbus at Prince of Peace Parish at 4300 Walnut Lake Rd, West Bloomfield, 48323, or to DeLaSalle Collegiate, 14600 Common Rd, Warren, MI 48088.

Ben Evola had a heart of gold. He was a devoted husband, amazing father, incredible grandfather, unbelievable great-grandpa, and an astute businessman. He was a giver, not a taker. He loved his family and God first, and his friends - family, faith, friends!

He was an avid boater, traveler, card player, financial whiz, and mostly a doer -- he did not sit still. He was taking care of his wife up until the moment he died. He was taking care of all of us all the time. Ben loved everyone he spent time with. He was always responsible for everything going on -- he was in control and always open to our ideas. He wanted everyone to be happy.

He rode his jet ski on Otsego Lake in Gaylord, every day for two weeks this past Fourth of July and loved boating and driving his jet ski in Fort Myers, Florida, with friends and family, often with the dolphins at his side. He water skied until he was 75-years-old. All of the boats he owned were called "Benny and the Jets." He was an avid golfer until his shoulder did not allow him to do so.

He has been honored over his life with incredible health and the love of his family and many, many friends. In return, the health and love overflowed within his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

He traveled to South Korea, Switzerland, Italy, Germany, Ireland, Alaska, and Hawaii -- all with the love of his life, Nancy.

He vacationed for more than 25 years in Gaylord, Michigan, at his cottage with this whole family when they were all together over Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day.

He supported his children in their endeavors. He carried a rosary with him and said it daily. He supported his faith and several Catholic Churches and organizations. He loved his "St. Joe's" friends and the Knights of Columbus whom he supported constantly and consistently.

He was a man among men and captain of our ship. Although he has passed, he taught his children and grandchildren to be the captain of their ships so no one ever sinks. He modeled being an anchor and taught his children to be anchors for their families and friends.