Benjamin B. Janney, 81

Memorial services will be held at the First Presbyterian Church Chapel on Friday, June 13th at 10 am.

SHARON, CT - Benjamin B. Janney died February 12th, 2008 on his 81st birthday, following several months of failing health. He had retired and lived for over 15 years in Sharon.

For over 30 years, Ben was actively involved in many theatrical productions on Broadway and throughout the country, serving as Director or Production Stage Manager in The Matchmaker, Romanoff and Juliet, La Plume de Ma Tante, Destry Rides Again, and Irma La Douce, as examples. He also worked with many well known actors and actresses like Dana Andrews, Joan Fontaine, Peter Ustinov, Juliet Prowse, Hugh O'Brien, Andy Griffith, Lawrence Olivier, Claudette Colbert, Cyril Ritchard, Alec McGowen, Hume Cronyn, plus producer David Merrick.

Ben served in the U. S. Navy and later attended Ball State University, graduating (magna cum laude) from the Pasadena Playhouse in 1950.

He is survived by a sister, Catherine J. Swadley, Issaqua, WA; a brother, William T. Janney (wife Elaine), Muncie; nephew, Stephen Swadley (wife Carolyn) in Auburn, WA and nieces Catherine Morgan, Clarksville, GA, and Tiffiny Arnold (husband-Thomas), Muncie.

Memorials may be sent to the Ball State University Museum of Art or the Department of Theatre and Dance.