Ben C. Petrini, 84, passed away Friday, May 15, 2009, in Genesis -Millville Center. Born in Landis Township he was a life long resident. He was a 1942 graduate of Vineland High School.He received an Associate Degree in Fire Service from Atlantic County Community College. He was co-owner of Petrini's Richland Poultry Farms and a co-owner of Petrini Construction.Ben was an assistant division fire warden for the New Jersey Forest Fire Service, retiring in 1990. He also co-owned Ben-Jay Inc. and Vista Lawn Ornaments.

He was a member of the Richland Volunteer Fire Company for 45 years, serving as Fire Chief for 30 years. He also was a member of the Atlantic County Board of Agriculture, the Firemen's Relief Association, the Exchange Club of Buena Vista, Diamond Social Club of Vineland, Pope John XXIII Council Knights of Columbus, Milmay Gunning Club and Pdre Pio Parish. In 1964 Ben was awarded the J. P. Cleary Citizenship Award and in 2006 he received the Buena Historical Society Lifetime Achievement Award. He enjoyed his hobbies of fishing, woodworking, refurbishing fishing rods and playing cards. But most of all Bens' family and friends always came first.