He is also survived by nine grandchildren: Alison (Labuda) Peirce, Carolyn (Labuda) Crary, Haley Ashworth, Dylan, Lee and Grace Ashworth, Christopher and Kara Miles, and Michelle (Miles) Beecher; three great-grandchildren: Brandon and Holly Beecher, and Nathan Crary.

Benjamin F. Ashworth, 88, a longtime North Tewksbury resident and member of the First Baptist Church, passed away after a short illness, on Wednesday, Dec. 1, 2010 at the Willow Manor in Lowell.

He was husband of the late Carolyn E. (Dutton) Ashworth, who passed away on June 28, 2009.

Born in Lowell on January 1, 1922, he was the son of the late Benjamin F. and Alice (Kimball) Ashworth.

Mr. Ashworth was raised in Lowell, attended Lowell schools and graduated from Lowell High School in 1940.

Following graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps. Mr. Ashworth served during World War II during the battles in Rome, Arno, North Apennines and Po Valley. He piloted light observation aircraft as well as heavy bombers. Mr. Ashworth achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant and was awarded several decorations for his military service including the American Defense Service Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, the Air Medal, and the European African Middle Eastern Theater Campaign Ribbon.

Prior to his retirement in 1986, he was employed as a toll test man by the New England Telephone Company, where he worked for 38 years.

Ben was an active member of the First Baptist Church of Tewksbury , where he previously served on the Board of Trustees.

In earlier years, he served as a pack leader for Cub Scout Troop 41 and later as committee chairman for Boy Scout Troop 41 of Tewksbury.

Mr. Ashworth was a former member of the Lowell Demolay and a was a life member of the Disabled American Veterans (D.A.V.)

He enjoyed numerous activities including reading, crafting model airplanes, attending church functions, family camp outs and summer vacations at Ocean Park, Maine.

Benjamin lived a long and happy life. He was deeply devoted to his late wife, children, grandchildren and extended family members and friends.

Mr. Ashworth's family would like to thank the staff at Bayberry at Emerald Court in Tewksbury, the staff at Willow Manor in Lowell and Mr. Ashworth's son, Gary, for the care he provided his father since the passing of their mother.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, Dec. 6 at 10:30 a.m. at the First Baptist Church, 1500 Andover St., Rte. 133, Tewksbury. Interment to follow at Edson Cemetery, Lowell. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the First Baptist Church, 1500 Andover St., Tewksbury, MA 01876.

Arrangments were handled by Farmer and Dee Funeral Home, 16 Lee St., Tewksbury.