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Benjamin

Zeldes

Obituary

Dr. Benjamin Zeldes, of Staffordville, CT, died on Friday (October 8, 2010). A developmental optometrist who pioneered in the use of pediatric vision therapy, Dr. Zeldes helped many children with vision problems and learning disabilities. He was a graduate of the University of Connecticut, the Illinois College of Optometry, and did post-graduate work at Yale’s Gesell Institute of Child Development. Born in 1924 in New Britain to Louis and Gertrude Zeldes, Dr. Zeldes moved to Newington in 1959, where he maintained a private office for nearly 40 years, and was deeply gratified when his son, Ross, also an optometrist, joined his practice. A strong mentor, his enthusiasm for the profession also inspired his nephew, Steven Zeldes, to become an optometrist. Ben Zeldes’ first love was caring for the vision needs of children. In addition to vision therapy, he was an early expert in orthokeratology, a method for reshaping the cornea through the use of hard contact lenses. Many airline pilots and others came to him to use this method for improving their visual acuity. In 1976, Dr. Zeldes served as President of the Connecticut Association of Optometrists and soon thereafter, became President of the New England Council of Optometrists. From 1959 – 1976, he served as chairman of the Connecticut Association of Optometrists’ Insurance Committee and in the mid-1980s was a member of the American Association of Optometrists’ Insurance Committee. In both roles, he broadened insurance benefits of many kinds for optometrists locally and nationally. Later, in testimony to the Connecticut Insurance Commissioner, he helped to win non-discriminatory fees for optometrists providing home and office visits. Ben was an active member of the Newington Lions’ Club and an avid boater and fisherman, spending many weekends on the Long Island Sound. Both he and his beloved wife, Edith, to whom he was married for 62 years, earned the status of Advanced Pilot through numerous courses offered by the U.S. Power Squadron. His office wall boasted a mounted 20 pound striped bass, and he loved to regale his family and friends about the time he and his family caught 101 Spanish mackerel off the coast of North Carolina. He was also a reluctant but ultimately willing thespian, when Edith – a longtime theatre director — recruited him to cameo appearances in Theatre Newington and Aetna Players performances. During World War II, although he was not drafted because he was working in his family’s essential war industry, Ben chose to volunteer. He served as a ball turret gunner on a B17 bomber in the 8th Air Force, stationed in England. Ben was pre-deceased by his three brothers, Harry, Henry and Phil. In addition to his son, Ross, and wife Edith, Dr. Zeldes leaves three daughters: Mildred Zeldes Solomon of Boston, MA and Washington, DC, Hazel Ann Zeldes of Wales, MA, and Beth Zeldes Margulies of Sandy Hook, CT; nine grandchildren; three great- grandchildren; a daughter-in-law; sons-in-law; and nieces and nephews. He died at the University of Connecticut Health Center’s John Dempsey Hospital surrounded by his family. Funeral services will be held on Monday (October 11, 2010) at 1 p.m. in the Chapel of the Weinstein Mortuary, 640 Farmington Ave., Hartford, with interment in the Beth Alom Cemetery, Allen St., New Britain. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the New England College of Optometry, Development Office, 424 Beacon St, Boston, MA 02115 or at http://www.neco.edu/giving/howtomakeagift.html. For further information, directions, or to sign the guestbook for Dr. Zeldes, please visit online at www.weinsteinmortuary.com.

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Benjamin Zeldes

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From: Steve Zeldes

From Flagstaff, AZ

Posted On: October 10, 2010

Dear Edith, Millie, Beth, Hazel and Ross,
I am so sorry about Ben's passing. He was a wonderful uncle and mentor. I particularly remember boating with you all as a child and visiting "the office" both as a child and as a young college graduate searching for a career. The fishing never took with me, but I did enjoy being on the water. Professionally Ben was an inspiration and great role model. I will always remember his warmth and compassion. My thoughts are with you.
Love, Steve

From: Anne Zeldes

From Flagstaff, AZ

Posted On: October 10, 2010

Dear Edith,
I am so sad about Ben's death. I have been remembering all the trips you and Ben, and Hank and I took together. They are very special memories for me. Ben was one of the kindest persons I have ever known. I will miss him.
Love,
Anne

From: Mike and Beth Zeldes

From Ada, MI

Posted On: October 13, 2010

A wonderful Uncle to all

From: Gloria Olesen

From Newington, CT

Posted On: October 11, 2010

To the Zeldes Family ~ My deepest sympathies go out to each and everyone of you. Dr. Zeldes was a wonderful Dr. I have been a patient since I was a child, spent many Saturday mornings in the office while he was trying to strengthen my eyes.

From: Frank & Freddie Wilson

From Newington, CT

Posted On: October 11, 2010

Dear Edith,

So sorry to hear about Ben's passing. Our prayers are with you and your family.

Frank & Freddie Wilson

From: Joyce Arthur

From Staffordville, CT

Posted On: October 11, 2010

Edith-

Just the other day as I passed the Mill Pond in Stafford and saw that the pond had been stocked with fish, I thought of Ben and his valiant efforts to get the state to stock Staffordville Lake with fish. I was about to call... and I was called about his passing.

Bob and I send our deepest sympathies to you. May Ben's fishing in the "Great Beyond" be better than here on the lake the last few years!

Joyce

From: Tricia Ketchum

From Dyersburg, TN.

Posted On: October 11, 2010

Dear Edith,Millie.Hazel,Beth and Ross.I wish to tell you all how sorry I am about Uncle Ben passing. I have many wonderful memories of our visits together. I fondly remember a visit as a child to your house where we had a big family picnic. The next morning before my parents got up uncle Ben asked me what did I want for breakfest. I said cake and pie.He said of course I could. I will always remember him as such a wonderful uncle He will be missed very much. Love Tricia

From: Chanah Zeldes Studzinski

From Newington, Ct

Posted On: October 11, 2010

Uncle Ben.....You were the last of the four Zeldes boys. You have lived your life well under G-d. My family will miss you,especially at Thanksgiving time. I will remember the fun times I had as a kid with my sisters on your boat. The last couple of times that I saw you,you had grandpa's facial expressions and his warm smile. My girls will miss their great uncle also.Give my father a big hug,please.
Aunt Edith,Millie,Hazel,Beth,Ross and everybody in between I am so sorry for your loss. I know how you are feeling.
Chanah

From: William Blankenburg

From South Windsor, CT

Posted On: October 12, 2010

Edith, Ross, and other family members:

My long relationship with Ben was fortuitous. I was a 31 year old with lazy eye caused by a childhood accident when I found Ben. He found it a real challenge to correct the problem in someone my age via visual training. My first visit was Jan. 22, 1962. One year later, after three visits per week to the Newington office, my fatigue problem was solved. 48 years later, I can say Ben was instrumental in making my long career in finance a successful one. Without his help, I am sure I could never have done all the reading my job required.

He was a good friend, and I will miss him.

Bill Blankenburg

From: Mark Chasse, O.D.

From Cromwell, Ct.

Posted On: October 13, 2010

I will remember Dr. Zeldes always with much admiration and appreciation for the time he spent with me when I was an optometry school student. He impressed me as one who was ahead of his time. My deepest condolence to his family.

Mark Chasse

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