Benjamin Lee Mills born 6/20/1995, passed 10/20/2020. Ben is the son of Jeffrey and Renee Strassell Mills and the brother of Summer Mills. He is survived by his dog Sadie Mae, his grandparents Richard Lee Mills and Jim and Bonnie Strassell as well as many aunts, uncles, and cousins. Ben is universally loved by all that know him—more than a dozen people consider Ben to be their best friend. Ben had significant health issues from birth and he was an incredible warrior. Ben spent 7 months in the PICU at Mt. Sinai when he was 16 waiting for a heart transplant. He was also a recent cancer survivor. Ben was known for his unwavering strength and ability to fight. Ben’s passions were wake surfing and filmmaking; he has produced several high-quality films. His favorite place on earth was his grandparents’ cottage on Lamoka Lake and he spent every minute possible there during the summer months. His kindness and generosity were experienced by all that knew him. The world lost a very special human being.
Calling hours are Sunday 10/25 1-4PM and Monday 10/26 4-7PMat the Keenan Funeral home, 7501 Pittsford Palmyra Rd. Fairport, NY 14450. A funeral Mass will be held Tuesday 10/27 1PM at St. Louis Church, 64 S Main St. Pittsford, NY 14534. For those that can not attend the mass here is where to watch the livestream httphttps://stlouischurch.org/lives
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to this cause.
Comments
16 responses to “Mills, Benjamin”
dear ben and family i have watched you growing up over the past years . was a little shocked when i heard the news that you have left your family and the bld friends . you are now with the angels watching down at us such a young age to leave but you will always be in our hearts . as a joke maybe you can do some filming up in heaven lol ha ha may you rest in peace amen, your family and friends will surely miss you take care of those who are in heaven . may the gates of paradise be open up for everyone to follow along . thanks for letting me post this comment
Renee, I am so sorry for your loss. You were always such a kind friend to my sister Katie and I at Mercy. I know my sister welcomed your loving son with open arms in heaven. Thinking of you and your family during this difficult time.
We’ve watched Ben grow up before our eyes. He made the most of this summer, boating, campfires, jet ski riding, this is how we will always remember him. Our condolences to all of Ben’s family.
Renee, Our community lost a very talented young man who exemplified love, charity and courage. My prayers go out to you and your family.
Dear Renee and family,
We want you to know how deeply saddened we have been since hearing of Ben’s passing. Now, to read about the beautiful spirit that he had, our sadness for you only intensifies. You, along with Ben, have been in our prayers and will continue to be. May Ben’s soul rest in eternal peace, and may the Lord extend his mercy and comfort to all of you who are suffering.
-Molly, Jared, Henry, Gwyneth, Ethan, and Peter Collins
Renee, I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your son. This beautiful description of him and his life moved me to tears. I wish I had known him. I know he will be welcomed in Heaven by all. RIP, Ben (from another Mercy Alumni)
Dear Renee,
My heart absolutely breaks for you and your family. I wish I could have met Ben. He sounds like an incredible human being. Our world is a better place because of him. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
He sounds like such a wonderful and beautiful person. May the love of God surround you. My prayers are with you.
Dear Jeff, Rene, Summer Rich and family, After 63 years of knowing the Mills family, memories of all of you flash before my eyes. The most outstanding member of the clan The Abel Family is Ben. He was the kindest, loving caring and gentle of you all. He was a miracle of God. Just know today he is in his grandmothers arms. Together they are lovingly awaiting your coming to join them. He is in good care never to suffer the earthly cares anymore. God bless you all, Much Love from the Abels
To Jeff and Renee and summer, and all my strassel family in New York, I am very very sorry and heartbroken to hear about Ben. I told Uncle Jimmy that I was going to come up but there are too many travel restrictions to get into New York State and I did and I was not able to quarantine there for 14 days. I have been praying for Ben and for everyone ever since Uncle Jimmy told me of his passing,. I love each and every one of you fine folk’s … May the most precious blood of Jesus cover cousin Ben,,, Love Ric Geyer,,,,,,, Ricky
Theres no greater sorrow then to lose a child. Our memories of Ben date back to when he was considering attending Victor school and Zak was going to be his go to guy if he needed anything being the Zak had health issues when he was younger and knew how to navigate the ins and outs of daily school life. Our first impression of Ben was WOW, a kid small in stature but BIG in personality will be just fine!! His tenacity was a true inspiration! Our hearts and prayers go out to the Mills Family.
To Jeff and Renee, your family story is one of love and devotion. The courage you have exhibited for years is an example few of us could even imagine. How fortunate Ben and Summer are to have such amazing parents. What an example are Ben and Summer as well. Your family is what all families should be: loving, loyal, steadfast and there for each other everyday. May God bless you all.
Renee, Summer and Family,
I was so sorry to here that Ben has lost his battle. What a great young man! Words can not express the feelings in my heart that are reaching out to all of you at this time.
May God Bless you all. Please remember how many lives have been touched by your love.
Fondly,
Sarah Jane Clifford and Co.
Dear Jeff, Renee, and Summer, I am deeply sorry for your loss. I remember Ben climbing the tree at our lake house with Alex. He was so spunky and proud of himself. You will all be in my heart and prayers. With love and warmth.
Dear Jeff,Renee,and Summer, I am deeply sorry for your loss. I remember Ben climbing a tree at our lake house several years ago with Alex. They were so proud and spunky. You will all be good n my heart and prayers. With warmth and love.
The sadness fills my heart for your loss Renee, Jeff and Summer – I attended the online mass for Ben, and while I cried a great deal, my smile of the wonderful life that Ben had despite all the health issues is more overwhelming. He was mature beyond his years, and truly his service to others, loving others, caring about others is something I can learn from. Life is short – Ben lived a lifetime in 25 short years. May he rest in God’s garden and see your sunny smiles and happiness everyday. He now prepares God’s garden for his family to arrive in their own due time. Love, Joanne