Benjamin Henry Magowan III

Benjamin H. Magowan III, 81 of Concord, NH passed away peacefully on May 5, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Born on May 29, 1943, in Manchester, Connecticut, he was the firstborn of eight children to Benjamin H. Magowan, Jr. and Agnes Lee Magowan.

A proud veteran, Benjamin served in the US Marine Corps as a young man, and carried his pride of service with him throughout his life. He went on to build a career as a quality control inspector, working in the aerospace and medical device industries at various locations over the years.

With a love of the outdoors, he enjoyed fishing in the lakes and ponds of Connecticut, New Hampshire and Vermont. Later in life, he found joy in canoeing and made many memorable river trips with his children and grandchildren. He was also a passionate music lover and a meticulous house and room painter, known for his expert cut-in lines and attention to detail.

He was hilarious. He loved to banter, to make people laugh, and to laugh right along with them. His wit, playful teasing, and quick one-liners were constant sources of joy. Laughter was one of his love languages, and he shared it generously with everyone lucky enough to know him.

He was a devoted and loving grandfather, known for always having an action movie queued up and a stash of Reese’s and peanut butter pretzels ready to share. But it was really his steadfast presence that left the biggest mark. Fiercely protective of those he cared about, he created an emotional safe haven for his family—someone you could turn to with anything and know you’d be met with unwavering love, strength, and understanding.

He was also a proud and incredible friend of Bill’s, and was actively in AA for 35 years. The principles he lived by through his recovery shaped the kind of man he became—grounded, generous, humble, and kind. His journey not only transformed his own life, but made him a truly remarkable person to be with—someone who lifted others simply by being himself.

Benjamin leaves behind his beloved children: his son, Benjamin H. Magowan IV of Strafford, NH; his daughter Kelli Cicirelli of Concord, NH; his daughter-in-law and son-in-law, Karen Magowan and Joe Cicirelli. His four cherished grandchildren include Nicole Hogan, Anthony Cicirelli, Callum Magowan, and Holly Magowan, along with his great-grandchildren Isla and Cormac Hogan. He is also remembered with love by Claudia Caswell, his former wife, with whom he rekindled a caring, close relationship later in life.

He was predeceased by his sister Linda and his brother John. He is survived by his brothers Richard, Randall, James, Timothy, and Michael – and too many nieces and nephews to count.

Benjamin will be remembered for his quiet strength, sharp wit, and the deep love he had for his family. He will be dearly missed.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, June 7 at 12:00 at Cremation Society of New Hampshire (located within Phaneuf Funeral Home) at 243 Hanover Street, Manchester, NH. Services will be followed by light lunch and gathering. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Ben’s honor to New Hampshire SPCA, a cause close to his heart.