Obituary of Bernard Lynch

Bernard "Ben" Francis Lynch, 93 of Sewell, NJ, passed away on March 28, 2023 peacefully at home surrounded by family. Ben was born in Philadelphia PA to Bernard and Mary Lynch on June 21st 1929. His formative years were spent in Lancaster, PA; however, he graduated his senior year from Bridgeton High School, NJ in 1948. He went on to earn a bachelor's degree from Glassboro State College (Rowan University) and attended Rutgers University but got his master's in educational administration from Glassboro State College. His life's work was dedicated to education and coaching. Most of his educational career was as a physical and health education teacher at Triton Regional HS and then as principal at Highland High School where he retired. Not one to sit still, Ben also worked 50 years with WSNJ broadcasting high school sports. He worked for over 20 years as the Assistant then Director of the Bridgeton Parks and Recreation. In 1966, Jerry Alden and Ben started the Bridgeton Invitational Semi-Pro baseball tournament which continues to this day. They grew the tournament and hosted celebrities such as Satchel Paige, Mickey Mantle, Daryl Dawkins, Max Patkin, Philly Phanatic, and Roy Campanella. Sports have always been a passion for Ben; he was the first basketball player in Glassboro State College history to score over 1,000 points and in his senior year averaged 26.8 points per game for the school record. Ben contributed to his community in many ways. After he retired, Ben tutored migrant workers in English, and students living at a nearby Women's shelter. He also worked for Temple University as a consultant assisting high schools on the east coast to improve their educational practices. Ben has received many awards for his work including the Hall of Fame induction to Rowan University, Triton and Highland Regional High Schools, All Sports Museum of South Jersey, South Jersey Coaches, Gloucester County, and the Old Timer's Sports. This charismatic man could walk down the street in any given city and be guaranteed to meet someone he knew through his endeavors. Ben would start every conversation with strangers asking where they went to high school and would somehow find a connection. Ben is survived by his wife of 61 years, Judith Anne Lynch; his children Lea Lore (Ed Lore), Bernard "Buzz" Lynch, Julia Kelly (Terence Sheridan), Robert Scott Lynch and Kirstin Lynch-Walsh (Shane Walsh); his grandchildren KeLea Exel, Ryan Roberts, Hayley Lynch, Lianda Hanrahan, Brendan & Kevin Kelly and Fionn Lynch-Walsh and great grandchildren Adam & Andrew Exel. Memorial contributions may be made to Bridgeton Invitational Tournament, in memorial for Ben Lynch, 721 Morton Ave, Bridgeton, NJ, 08302 or Rowan University Foundation, 201 Mullica Hill Road, Glassboro, NJ 08028. Close friends and family are invited to a graveside service and burial on Monday, April 3, 2023 at 1:00 pm from Sacred Heart Cemetery, 741 E Walnut Rd, Vineland. The public is invited to a memorial service on April 8th from 12pm to 3pm at Rowan University in the Alumni Engagement Center, Shpeen Hall, 40 North Academy St., Glassboro NJ. ARRANGEMENTS are under the supervision of Rone Funeral Service, 1110 East Chestnut Avenue, Vineland, NJ 08360. To send online condolences please visit our website at www.RONEFUNERALSERVICE.com