Bernard (Ben) Julian, 93, of Utica, passed away on Sunday March 4, 2018. He was the son of the late Fred and Helen Langone Julian.

Ben was educated at local schools, but commenced work at an early age on the Erie Lackawanna Railway. At the same time, he commenced an apprenticeship as a barber. At the very peak of WWII, at 17, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. Ben saw substantial and significant action in the South Pacific, rising to the rank of Corporal and earning combat recognition and medals. In 2016 Ben was honored to be the Grand Marshall of the Utica Veterans Day Parade.

He was discharged from the Marine Corps on March 6, 1946. He returned to Utica and worked as a barber, first in New Hartford and then on James Street in Utica. In the early 1950s, he opened a barber shop on Oneida Street in Utica, and was later joined in the business with his brother Phil Julian, and thereafter with Joe Singer. While engaged in the barber business, he established, owned and operated the longest-operating commercial laundromat in the City of Utica. He left barbering to purse that venture, as well as the purchase and operation of residential rental housing.

Ben married Catherine Kennedy Julian in 1948. She passed away in 1952. He was thereafter married to Dolores Esrich Julian.

He is survived by six children: Robert (Cynthia),Fayetteville, NY; Bernard (Rose), Deborah DeSanctis (Robert), Dolores Jadhon (George), Timothy (Lisa), all of Utica; and Mathew Claeys (Gina), York Springs, PA. He is also survived by his special friend and companion of many years, MaryAnn Suppa, who cared for him and provided him with great joy.

Ben's grandchildren are: Daniel and Benjamin Julian; Phillip Schremmer; Michelle Warner; Kristen Collea (Brian); Bernard Julian; Katelynd and Elizabeth DeSanctis; Danielle Tesak (Michael); Joseph  and Georgeanne Jadhon; Nicholas and Robert Julian,  Bryant, Kimberly and Carleigh Claeys. His great-grandchildren are: Abigail, Emma and Julian Collea; James Tesak; Zachary and Bella Schremmer; and Lincoln, Locke, and Luca Warner. He is survived by his sisters, Josie Srour, Concetta Gigliotti and Helen Buttiglieri

He was predeceased by, his son Joseph Rocco Julian, his siblings, Peter, Philip, Alfred, Emilio and  Joseph Julian and his sister Fannie Allen.He is also predeceased by his good friends; George (Hoppy) Tamer, Myron Rosenthal, Melvin Kowalski, and his special brother-in-law Anthony (Tony) Srour.

He was proud of his service to America and of his accomplishments as a businessman. Ben was also gratified that two of his children joined him in his businesses, that his daughter Dolores followed him into the haircutting trade, his daughter Deborah followed her mother into nursing, and that his son Matthew followed in his footsteps as serving as an United States Marine, and his grandson, Bryant who is presently serving in Afghanistan with the 82nd AirBorne. He was likewise proud of the public service of his sons, Robert, Timothy and his son-in-law, Robert. A talented craftsman, Ben taught both son's Bernard and Timothy to be master carpenters.

Ben was grateful for the efforts and friendship of Karen Magee, Brittany Haley, Christine Schultz and Margaret Khoury, and for the special care provided by his grandsons, Bernard Julian and Benjamin Julian.

Ben's celebration of life will be held Wednesday, March 7, 2018 at 3:15 pm at the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes, 2222 Genesee St. where a mass of Christian burial will be celebrated by the Rev. Joseph Salerno, with Military honors conferred. Visitation will be held from 1-3 p.m. at the church prior to the mass. Please omit flowers. Interment will be at the convenience of the family.

Arrangements under the guidance of John L Matt Funeral Home, Chadwicks, NY. To send an online message of sympathy www.johnlmattfuneralhome.com