HATBORO, PENNSYLVANIA - Oliver Benton McMillen, Jr. of Hatboro, PA passed away on Tuesday, April 12, 2016 in Memory Care at the Park, Hatboro, PA. He was 83.

Born in Lower Burrell, PA to the late Oliver Benton McMillen and Sylvia (Moore) McMillen, over the years, Ben resided in Irwin and Warrington, PA, Wellington, New Zealand, Buckingham, PA, and Ann’s Choice, Warminster, PA before moving to Hatboro, PA two years ago.

Ben started his career with Bell of PA (now Verizon) in 1950 as a switch technician. In 1951, he interrupted his career and joined the Army during the Korean War. Ben rose to the rank of Sergeant in the Army Security Service. Upon leaving the Army, he entered the University of Pittsburgh, taking classes at night while continuing his career during the day. In 1959, he graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering.

After college, Ben’s career followed a rare path, with assignments at Bell Laboratories, various district and division level management roles, and finally he was appointed as Vice President, Network Engineering, Purchasing and Logistics for Bell Atlantic. Ben’s career than took on an international flair and he moved to New Zealand to become Chief Operating Officer with New Zealand Telecom.

Ben was a member of Thompson Memorial Presbyterian Church of New Hope; former Mason and enjoyed playing golf. He especially enjoyed spending time with his three granddaughters and family.

He was the beloved husband for over 50 years of the late Norma Jean (Jacoby) McMillen, whom was his childhood sweetheart; devoted father of Lorraine Foltz and husband Rick, Keith McMillen and wife Lisa; dear brother of Jean Alerich; and loving grandfather of Caitlin Fogelsong and husband Ryan, Cory and Chloe McMillen.

A memorial service will be held at the Thompson Memorial Presbyterian Church, 1680 Aquatong Road, New Hope, PA 18938 on Saturday, May 14, 2016 at 11 AM. The family will receive friends from 10:30 AM prior to the service and at a luncheon immediately following the service at the church.

Interment with military honors will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts to Alzheimer's Association Delaware Valley Chapter, 399 Market Street, Suite 102, Philadelphia, PA 19106 www.alz.org or Thompson Memorial Presbyterian Church (at the address above) would be appreciated.

Send condolences to www.varcoethomasfuneralhome.com

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