Birth date: Nov 19, 1949 Death date: Jun 19, 2025
Benjamin Burke Selvitelle III, “Benny”, passed away peacefully on June 19, 2025, surrounded by his beloved wife, son, and daughter. He was 75. Born in Cherry Point, North Carolina, Benny lived a life marked by purpose, passion, a Read Obituary
Oh Ben ... Your love for your Chevelle is what connected us and Im so thankful for that. Im glad we connected on rumble, gasoline and burnouts. Miss yah!
I loved having Ben as my colleague as we taught young Marines at Kaneohe Marine Base. He was so dedicated to our students, and he truly cared about their futures. He was that special kind of teacher who would take time to give extra attention whenever students needed it. He was selfless and genuinely kind-hearted. On top of all those wonderful characteristics, he had a robust sense of humor with a lot of good jokes! I have missed him as a teammate since he retired from our program. Thank you, Ben, for being a great coworker! My sincere condolences to Marilyn and the whole ohana. Aloha, Barbara Gomes
Ben was one of the most beloved and skilled instructors I’ve ever had the privilege of working with in adult education. His talent, wit, and unwavering dedication to both his students and our team left a lasting impact on all of us.
One of my favorite memories with Ben was his humorous and practical approach to solving the ongoing “key chaos” at the Ed Center. He didn’t just complain—he created a written key checkout system that’s still used to this day. The keys he hand-etched himself are still in circulation, and to be honest, they’ve made my admin life so much easier. You’ve got to love people who don’t just see a problem—they build a solution.
Despite not coming from a traditional teaching background, Ben thrived in the classroom. He excelled at teaching math to Marines—no small feat—and consistently received glowing feedback from his students. His classes were engaging, and his students made real academic gains. Ben was always reflecting, always growing, always showing up with thoughtfulness, intelligence, and encouragement.
Ben was smart. He was kind. He was witty. He was deeply respected by his colleagues and students alike. I’m incredibly grateful to have known and worked alongside him. He will be missed more than words can say.
Below are a few memories shared by former MASP students, which speak volumes about who Ben was and how deeply he touched others:
Enrique Padrenan, Fall 2022 Student:
“I’m deeply saddened by this news. Mr. Ben was a great teacher and made classes very interesting. His family should know all the Marines under his teaching really appreciate what he did and are honored to be his students.”
Reanna Serra, Summer 2022 Student:
“He was so kind. He really did care for the students. I learned so much. He truly made a difference and he will be missed.”
John Jennings, Spring 2024 Student:
“Ben was the life of the classroom. A few of us would get to class early just to hang out and hear his stories—especially about his car 😄. He was such a wise man with so much youth behind his eyes. This world feels a little colder without a soul like his in it, but he impacted so many of us, and we all carry a piece of him within us. Please give my prayers and best wishes to his family during this difficult time. He is missed.”
— Very respectfully,
CTTC(EXW/NAC/IW/AW) John Jennings, USN
Ben was one of the most loved and skilled instructors I’ve worked with in adult education. His talent, wit, and dedication to both his students and our team left a lasting impact on all of us.
One of my favorite memories with Ben was his humorous and practical approach to solving the ongoing “key chaos” at the Ed Center. He didn’t just complain—he created a written key checkout system that’s still used to this day. The keys he hand-etched himself are still in circulation, and they’ve made my admin life so much easier. You’ve got to love people who don’t just see a problem—they build a solution.
Despite not coming from a traditional teaching background, Ben thrived in the classroom. He excelled at teaching math to Marines—no small feat—and consistently received glowing feedback from his students. His classes were engaging, and his students consistently made real academic gains. Ben was always reflecting, always growing, always showing up with thoughtfulness, intelligence, and encouragement.
Ben was smart. He was kind. He was witty. He was deeply respected by his colleagues and students alike. I’m incredibly grateful to have known and worked alongside him. He will be greatly missed.
Below are a few memories shared by former MASP students, which speak volumes about who Ben was and how deeply he touched others:
Enrique Padrenan, Fall 2022 Student:
“I’m deeply saddened by this news. Mr. Ben was a great teacher and made classes very interesting. His family should know all the Marines under his teaching really appreciate what he did and are honored to be his students.”
Reanna Serra, Summer 2022 Student:
“He was so kind. He really did care for the students. I learned so much. He truly made a difference and he will be missed.”
John Jennings, Spring 2024 Student:
“Ben was the life of the classroom. A few of us would get to class early just to hang out and hear his stories—especially about his car 😄. He was such a wise man with so much youth behind his eyes. This world feels a little colder without a soul like his in it, but he impacted so many of us, and we all carry a piece of him within us. Please give my prayers and best wishes to his family during this difficult time. He is missed.”
— Very respectfully,
CTTC(EXW/NAC/IW/AW) John Jennings, USN
We love you Benny! We all know your smiling under another Hawaiian rainbow and loving the life you lived. Thanks for all the family dinners spent under the stars and taking our family in as if it was your own. Aloha❤️🐢🌊🤙🌸
I worked with Ben at Quantico Virginia, and visited with him in Hawaii. He was a kind gentle soul, and very funny to be around. My condolences to his family. Rest in peace Ben.
Al Cruz
Missing you, Benny. We will have that dinner we’ve been talking about one day. Save us a seat!
Save a spot in the lineup for us Benny! Semper Fi
My family and I lived next to Benny and Marilyn for the last 8 years. I didn't know the young surfer Benny (wish I had), but I do know how generous and witty he was.
One random memory: Not long after we moved in next door, I saw Benny out on the street was telling him how overwhelming life was at the time. We were first time homeowners, just had our first kid, and I had a new job. The next few times I saw him, he'd yell across the yard, "You're doing a great job!". It was a small thing, but it meant a lot to me at the time and was what I needed to hear. :)
Rest in peace, Benny. We will miss you.
He was an excellent supervisor at MCLB, Albany, GA. Prayers for all the family!
Carmen Jones
