Kenneth Seguin

Ben was a gifted athlete, particularly in football, basketball and track.  He was a standout quarterback who maintained a modest composure.  I remember well having summer workouts in the gym, preparatory to football season during our freshman year.  One of our training exercises was to partner up with another player and carry him on your back up the stairs to the second floor.  Ben was my partner and we carried each other.  He and I were also with Bill Barlow and Mike LaCroix in forming the Mile Relay team during our sophomore year in track.  I wish he'd been able to attend one of our four class reunions.  It was such a shock to learn of his passing. 

Photo was taken in the Spring 1966 after we placed well as a team in the Mile Relay at the Catholic JV Championships, and won ribbons..  Although we all were on the Varsity team, Coach W also entered us in this particular meet designed for Freshman and Sophomores.  L-R:  Ken Seguin ('69), Bill Barlow ('69), Ben Yurkunas ('69), Mike LaCroix ('70).

Greg Suchyta

Many good memories of times spent with Ben, Bill, Lee and Jim.  Just like with Bill, it's hard to believe he is gone.  We all seemed forever young. I was proud to have known Ben and been able to call him a friend through high school.  I will always remember him as an outstanding athlete who worked very hard at getting his teammates to work as hard as he did but better than that a great guy just to hang around with.  So sorry he won't be around to celebrate the 50th reunion.

Patrick "Mac" Deuparo

I always looked up to Ben as a true leader, he always gave more than 110%. I agree with Ken and Greg... he was above reproach... he was never cocky, arrogant or condensending ...for he was up there with some of the greatest athletes Holy Redeemer ever produced and I saw many in my 13 years there.  

He was a true Bradshaw... he set the example and he pushed us all to try to be are best... and what I learned from Ben and my fellow team members was it didn’t matter if you won or lost... as long as you gave your best you can walk with your head held high.

I was never in any of his classes and we weren’t buddies off the field... but I remember walking home with him after school a couple of times and sharing our ancestry’s and family backgrounds. I looked him up after I got out of the Navy and me and Mary Ann paid him a visit... he lived in an upper flat on Fort St. and had a little baby... and was caught up in the culture wars of the time... Vietnam, counter culture, religion etc  and he was trying to find his place.

Last we communicated was after our 40th class reunion around the time Mary Ann passed... him and his wife were running a rental business in Florida and he was a happy camper... loving life, his wife, children and grand kids... and I knew all them folks were lucky and proud to have Ben as the man, dad, father and husband in their lives... I’m sure his legacy will live on for many generations of goodness for our planet!

Algis Kaunelis

Ben Yurkukas and I were fellow Lithuanians. I got to know Benny when we worked together at the Chrysler Trenton Engine Assembly Plant. Along with his athletic prowess, I'll remember Benny for his humility and kind heart. I'm glad that he was able to live in Florida for a few years, before his untimely passing. Rest in Peace, Benny.

Kenneth Seguin

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/249501647/benedict-joseph-yurkunas?createdMemorial=Yes