Bennie L. Rua, 51, of Vandergrift, passed away on Saturday, December 30, 2023, at Forbes Hospital in Monroeville.

The son of Andrea (Mihalik) Rua and the late Bennie R. Rua, he was born December 4, 1972 in New Kensington, PA.

Bennie had worked as a member of the grounds crew at The Links in Spring Church for over 20 years.  He also held part-time jobs at Keystone Beverage in Vandergrift and as assistant manager at Dommy’s Pizza in Vandergrift.  As an avid sportsman, Bennie liked playing dek hockey and tennis and collecting sports memorabilia, especially attending autograph signing events.  He was a sports fan of many teams including the Dallas Stars, Pittsburgh Penguins, Steelers, Pirates and Pitt football.

Additionally, he enjoyed building model ships and airplanes.  He liked vacationing in Myrtle Beach and anything relating to World War II.  Bennie loved and adored his nephew, Caden, who he called “Caden Pooh” and “Little Dude.”  They loved to play Playstation and any sport together.  Bennie loved his cats, Sidney, Gracie and Maya.

Survivors include his wife of 14 years, Lisa (McClain) Rua of Vandergrift; a nephew, Caden Battaglia of Washington Township; sister-in-law, Jennifer Battaglia (Brian) of Washington Township; and mother-in-law, Cheryl McClain of Vandergrift.

Arrangements are all private and entrusted to the Clawson Funeral & Cremation Center, 170 Main St., Leechburg, 724-842-1051.  A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.  Donations in memory of Bennie may be sent to the funeral home on behalf of his family.