Benjamin Fine, 74

Benjamin Fine, longtime Stamford resident and Fairfield University professor, died March 11 at his home.

He was 74.

Born in New York City on Oct. 12, 1948, he was the son of Reuben and Sonya LeBeoux Fine.

Benjamin Fine

Kind-hearted, gregarious and funny, Ben was a great storyteller who was always there for friends and family.

He grew up in Brooklyn—a childhood that would serve as fodder for stories he later spun into published books—graduating from Abraham Lincoln High School and then earning his bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Brooklyn College. He would go on to earn a doctorate degree in algebraic group theory and statistics from New York University.

He taught math at Fairfield University for 40 years, and in 2013 earned a degree in creative writing from the institution, turning his stories into published books.

Ben loved to play golf and tennis. He coached for the Special Olympics for some 50 years. He loved cheering on his children, and later his grandchildren, during swim meets, his powerful voice of encouragement echoing across pool decks through several decades. He loved to eat and knew all the diners in the area—favorite spots included Bull’s Head Diner, Parkway Diner and Rye Ridge Deli.

Ben loved his family above all else.

He married the love of his life, Linda Smith, in June 1969.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his daughter Carolyn Fine Neyer (husband Scott), son David Fine, and grandchildren Shane, Sawyer, Quinn, Summer, Stratton, Stella and Suzannah. 

A funeral will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, March 13 at Temple Beth El, 350 Roxbury Road, Stamford, Conn., with interment to follow at Beth El Cemetery.

Family members will observe shiva from 2:00 to 9:00 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday at the Fine home, 24 West Bank Lane in Stamford, Conn.