Banerjee remembered for community contributions
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Hundreds showed up from adults to small children, and many of the children and teenagers in attendance wore their soccer uniforms.
Banerjee, a longtime soccer coach, referee and supporter, died Tuesday of a sudden heart attack. He was 56.
“I was trying to find one word to describe Ben and that word is passion,” said Emily Panter, one of several friends to say words about Banerjee. “He had a great passion for his family, for his work, and yes for soccer.
“Of all his passions, I knew his passion for soccer the best. And he wanted to share that passion with everybody.”
Banerjee was one of the people enthusiastic about Warren County soccer in the 1970s, a time when few people around these parts knew much of anything about the sport.
Back then, there was no soccer complex. There wasn’t even a soccer field. Youth league games were played at the Civic Center on the outfield grass of one of the baseball fields.
It was a starting point and that was all Banerjee needed to spark an interest in soccer. And what was once a small group of soccer diehards has now exploded into an entire county of aspiring, young players.
“I was one of those children,” said Alan Brownyard. “I can remember as a 9-year-old boy playing soccer in the outfield grass. We had two teams in our age group back then and we played each other every week. I can remember Ben out there on the field blowing his whistle.”
Soccer aside, Banerjee was remembered by his children as a loving father. Debbie Banerjee said her dad was proud of her work at college and cherished the time they got to spend together.
“He told us that sitting together and eating at the dinner table was the best feeling in the world,” said Debbie.
Dee Dee Banerjee said a friend reminded her of a saying to help her through this difficult time.
“Some people come into our lives and leave quickly,” said Dee Dee reciting the saying. “Others stay awhile and leave footprints on our hearts.”
By all accounts, Banerjee left many footprints. And Pistole Park will remain a constant reminder of his dedication to soccer.
“His memorial is this beautiful complex,” said Carlene Brown. “His memorial is the hundreds of children who play soccer here in the years to come. We can remember Ben by the smiles on their faces and the joy of their laughter.”