Brad Wenstrup: “I had the good fortune of getting to know Ben Gettler during years of pickup basketball games with him. Ben's philosophy…”

“I had the good fortune of getting to know Ben Gettler during years of pickup basketball games with him. Ben's philosophy about basketball wasn't too different from his philosophy about life: age is no reason to slow down. Ben was still running a business and two charitable foundations up to his final days with us. He passed away on June 4 at age 87. Ben grew up during a tumultuous time in our world's history. The experiences of his era imprinted upon him the importance of his heritage and shaped his philanthropic pursuits. As the president of the Jewish Foundation of Cincinnati, Ben organized a program that helped more young men and women per capita to travel to Israel than any other city in North America. Ben also gave back to his alma mater, the University of Cincinnati, by serving as the chairman of the board of trustees. Today, Gettler Stadium at the university stands as a tribute to Ben and his wife Dee's service to the University, as well as a reminder of his time in college as an outstanding track-and-field athlete. A grateful city thanks Ben's wife, Dee, and his children for sharing this energetic and passionate man with our community. The city of Cincinnati is truly a better place because of Ben Gettler. He will be missed, but he will never be forgotten. ____________________”