E. Benn Micheletti, 87, of Delray Beach, Florida, passed away peacefully on February 20, 2024, surrounded by family.

Benn, or Bennie to many of his relatives and close friends, was born to Libero and Maria Micheletti on September 4, 1936, in Galveston, Texas.  His parents, both of whom were classically trained opera singers, eventually moved to Newark, New Jersey, where Benn graduated from West Side High School.  Thereafter Benn graduated from college (New York University) and law school (New York Law School), the first in his family to do so.

Benn served in the United States Army as a First Lieutenant, and was Honorably Discharged in 1968.  He went on to have a long, successful legal career, working first at companies such as Continental Grain and Biltrite Corporation, then as a solo practitioner in Monmouth County, New Jersey, where he lived for many years.  He eventually was appointed as a Superior Court Judge by the New Jersey Governor and served for more than two decades at the Freehold, New Jersey courthouse, presiding over numerous matters in the civil and family divisions.  He remained close with his many law clerks over the years, and presided over several of their weddings.

Benn is survived by his loving wife, Lucinda, of nearly 60 years.  Benn and Lucinda first met at the 1964 World's Fair in New York, where they both worked in the office that managed the fair.  On Lucinda's first day, Benn asked her to lunch.  Three days later they were engaged, and the rest is history.  Benn is also survived by his three children, Edward, Lisa (Devona) and Lynda, and his eight grandchildren, Edward Jr., Grace, Elizabeth, Hunter, Vincent, Harrison, Keira and Oliver.  He is also survived by his sister, Rebecca, and many other loving relatives.

Benn held many titles and roles in his life, but his favorites were being a husband, father, and grandfather.  Among his many interests, Benn learned to play the clarinet, and enjoyed watching the Yankees (and his son and grandsons) play baseball.  He was also a passionate golfer, and enjoyed many rounds of golf with his longtime friends and judicial colleagues.  He also owned and raised many German Shepherds over the years, including Faust, Caesar, Max and Gus.  No matter how busy he was as a lawyer and a judge, Benn always made time for his family, and vacationed frequently with them at Disney World and the Cape Cod beaches.  He also remained very close through the years with his family on both his and Lucinda's side, and also enjoyed the company of his many friends from high school, his professional life and more recently in retirement.  Benn and Lucinda also traveled frequently together in their retirement to many places around the country and world.

Friends may call on Tuesday, February 27, 2024, from 3PM to 7PM at the LORNE & SONS FUNERAL HOME, 745 NE 6th Avenue, Delray Beach, FL 33483.  A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, February 28, 2024, 10AM, at Emmanuel Catholic Church, 15700 S Military Trail, Delray Beach, FL 33484 followed by military honors from the United States Army.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Trustbridge Hospice of Palm Beach County or the Michael J. Fox Parkinson's Research Foundation.