It is with great sadness, we announce that Benjamin E. Mettler, 99, of Honesdale, Pa., passed away on Friday, April 10, 2026 at his home.

Born December 9, 1926 in Layton NJ he was a son of the late Benjamin and Maude (Klein) Mettler. Ben grew up working the family farm, as many family members before him, until he entered in the US Navy during WWII. He was very proud to be a veteran.

In 1949, Ben married his wife Norma (Bodie) Mettler, the love of his life, in Newton NJ, where they raised their children.

After marriage, Ben became a business partner in owning the Lafayette Auto Parts store in Lafayette NJ and later worked for the company as an employee, from which he retired in 1985.

In 1991 they moved to Honesdale Pa; the town was the best fit for the both of them as they easily became familiar with this very special community. Ben and Norma both worked and volunteered at the Wayne County Public Library for many years. They enjoyed the small town vibe of Honesdale making many friends. Norma passed away on February 16, 2016. They had been married for 66 years at the time of her passing.

Ben, like many children of The Great Depression, knew the true value of being practical and lived a very modest lifestyle. He was a brilliant mechanic who could repair just about anything. He enjoyed any wood related task, be it cutting trees or creating wood figures, or making something functional. He loved helping others in any way possible. He loved his family and friends dearly. He was ‘a salt of the earth’ kind of person and he will be sorely missed by all.

Ben is survived by his two children Darlene Mettler Sabourin and, son-in-law Ronald P., and Brian E. Mettler and daughter-in-law Nancy Luchetti-Mettler; 3 grandchildren, Megan Sabourin and her spouse Michael Reardon, Brielle Sabourin and her partner Hunter Kenny, and Caitlin Mettler and her spouse Heather Mettler; great grandchildren, Myles and Maeryn Reardon and Brin Mettler.

He was preceded in death by his brother PFC James Mettler who was killed during WWII in France, and his sister Marjorie Jamieson of Blairstown, NJ.

Visitation will be held on Friday, April 24, 2026 from 4-7 PM at the Arthur A Bryant Funeral Home, 1228 N. Main St., Honesdale. Military honors will be conducted at 7 PM.

A private interment will be in the Mettler Family Cemetery, Layton NJ at another date.

The family would like to thank neighbors and friends who kept Ben smiling all these years.

Donations may be made to the Mettler Cemetery, if desired. Checks may be made out to Mettler Cemetery and sent c/o Brian Mettler, 33 Luchetti Way, Newton, NJ 07860.