Benjamin R. Stape

STAPE--- Benjamin R., 45, Richland, passed away December 25, 2023, at Windber Hospice after a 3 year battle with cancer. Born January 30, 1978, in Latrobe, PA, son of Scott Stape the late Deborah Stape and Malinda and Bill Patterson. Preceded in death by maternal and paternal grandparents. Survived by loving wife of 19 years, Cheryl (Feighner), children Taylor and Luke; brother Chad Stape, sisters, Jennifer Stape and Kristin Macey (PJ) and nieces, Lyndsey and Trinity, nephew Tanner. Ben's family also includes his Mother-In-Law, Annette Feighner (Mimi), brother-in-law, Matthew Feighner; and best friend of 30 years, Tom McCombie. Max, his 4-legged buddy, who was always at his side, along with numerous other beloved family members and a group of life-long friends were held close to his heart and never out of his thoughts. Ben was a graduate of Richland High School, Class of 1996. He was a retired Major of the PA Army National Guard where he served his country for 22 years with two overseas tours, including in Ramadi, Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom and in Kosovo during a peace-keeping mission. Ben served in the 103rd Armor Division, 28th Infantry Division Headquartered in Harrisburg, and the 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team in Washington, PA from which he retired, as a proud United States Veteran. Ben attended officer basic course at Fort Huachuca, AZ in preparation to be a military intelligence officer. He obtained a top-secret security clearance to work at the Pentagon. He worked as a military intelligence officer for 2 years at the Pentagon when he decided to pursue a career in the medical field. As a 2010 graduate of the Conemaugh School of Nursing, Ben worked as an ICU Nurse at Memorial Medical Center. He then went on to further his medical studies at Drexel University, graduating in 2018 and obtaining his Nurse Practitioner certification. From 2019 to 2023, Ben worked as a Nurse Practitioner at Miner's Medical Center in Hastings, PA. During his medical career, Ben spent a total of 13 years dedicated to the patients in his care. Ben was the rock of his family, their protector and provider. His greatest pride was his wife and children and they reflect his grace, love, compassion, and kindness in every aspect of their lives. Ben's memory will live on in the hearts of all of those who loved him. He loved hunting with friends, taking his kids to breakfast, trips to the beach, watching the sun rise and spending time with Max. He was wise beyond his years, very dedicated, and just a great, great person. The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, December 29, 2023 at Harris Funeral Home, 500 Cherry Lane Johnstown. Funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, December 30, 2023 at Emmanuel Church on 425 Luther Road, Johnstown, with Pastor John Lawley officiating and military rites by Menoher VFW, Post #155. Ben will be committed to his final resting place at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery on January 2, 2024, with US Army military graveside honors. Special thanks to his angel at the VA, Kelli Manippo, Windber Hospice, the Neuro ICU at UPMC Shadyside, and Hillman Cancer Center especially Dr. Davar, Sarah and Dom. Online condolences may be posted at www.wharrisfuneralhome.com.