James Benson “Ben” Birindelli

CAPT – USNR (ret)
January 12, 1939 – March 28, 2025

James Benson “Ben” Birindelli of Southern Shores passed away peacefully at the age of 86 on March 28, 2025.

Ben was born in Richmond, VA. He graduated from Benedictine High School marking the beginning of his military life. After attending VMI for his “rat” year, he received his appointment to the US Naval Academy and graduated in 1962. He served in the U.S. Navy on active duty for eleven years and then began a long career as a Reservist. When his paid status was completed, he spent five years as a volunteer researcher at the Naval Historical Center in the Washington DC Naval Yard where he continued his love of military history. Ben also worked as a logistical engineering contractor for the Navy in the DC area and obtained an MBA from Old Dominion University.

Ben and his wife Nancy lived in Falls Church, VA, where he served on the Recreation and Parks Advisory Board for years and was chair of the Falls Church Tricentennial (300 years) Committee. Written history of the “Little City” was an integral part of the celebration, and Ben was encouraged to become an author. He wrote a book entitled The 200 Year Legacy of Stephen Decatur (a Naval hero in the war of 1812). A promotional book signing tour took him to many cities and towns called Decatur.

The Birindelli’s retired to their home in Southern Shores in 2004 having had rental property in Duck since 1983. Ben was employed at Duck’s General Store for nine years and greatly enjoyed sharing his many stories with customers. Although the beach was home, Ben longed for the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia. To accommodate both venues, the couple built a house at Wintergreen, a ski resort near Charlottesville, and spent time at both locations for many years. One of the most rewarding experiences at Wintergreen was the annual sponsorship of families who were participating in the Wounded Warrior Project – disabled service members spending time on the slopes learning to ski or snowboard.

Ben is survived by his beloved wife of 43 years, Nancy, and three adult children; Tyler (Kulenguski) Birindelli of Chantilly, VA, Michael Egelston, and wife Lori, of Safety Harbor, FL, and David Birindelli of Richmond, VA.; ten grandchildren – Joey, Sydney, Marin and Andrew Kulenguski; Jeremy and Jack Egelston; Isabella, Nicholas, Max and Anna Birindelli, and sister, Col. Beverly Knott – USAF (ret).

Special gratitude is extended to Ben’s wonderful caregivers, the staff at Spring Arbor’s Cottage where he was a resident, and the Dementia Friendly Coalition for their years of caring and support.

A celebration of Ben’s life will be held at the Duck Woods Country Club on May 17, 2025 at 12pm. Interment will be at Arlington National Ceremony in Virginia. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Birindelli Family Fund at the Outer Banks Community Foundation. Donations will be used to award grants for worthy causes in our community (www.obcf.org). Gallop Funeral Services is entrusted with arrangements. Condolences and messages can be sent to gallopfuneralservices.com.