Benjamin Robert Kittner

Benjamin Robert Kittner, 70, passed away on Sunday, July 14, 2024.

Ben was a genuinely kind and caring person known for his friendly demeanor, generosity, and big smile. He especially reveled in spending time with friends and family, particularly his children, Noah and Kaylie, who were the light of his life. Ben was a Weldon, North Carolina native and lived in Raleigh for most of his life. He is remembered as an entrepreneur, marketing strategist, career coach, mentor, loving father, brother, and friend to all. With a wry sense of humor and contagious laugh, he was an exceptional man. He will be deeply missed. 

Ben proudly graduated from UNC Chapel Hill with a B.A. in Education (1976) and subsequently earned a Master of Science in Educational Leadership at the University of Pennsylvania (1977). He began his career in communications and public broadcasting in Washington, DC, where he worked for the National Education Association and PBS. In 1983, he moved to Raleigh, where he worked as an entrepreneur, marketer, consultant, and educator for the next 40 years. 

Ben helped create Open/NET, a public affairs TV network for the State of North Carolina. In 1988, he co-founded TechKnowledge Communications Inc., a public relations consulting firm specializing in biotechnology, healthcare, and semiconductor industries. 

Later, he taught public relations, marketing, and writing courses at North Carolina State University. Most recently, Ben applied his wealth of experience as a small business specialist for the NC DHHS Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services where he spearheaded new state programming for people with disabilities to start and fund their businesses across the state. He also served as a counselor at the Entrepreneurship & Small Business Center of Wake Technical Community College. Ben loved mentoring entrepreneurs and helping people translate their ideas into viable careers. 

Ben could often be spotted on Hillsborough Street in Raleigh—exercising at the YMCA, hanging out at the Player’s Retreat, savoring a hot and sour soup at Beansprout, or stopping by Snoopy’s. He was a devoted enthusiast of all things North Carolina. His interests covered economic development, higher education, sports, and more. Ben was a committed activist protesting for justice and equality and a Tar Heel born and bred. He loved reading, watching movies, listening to music, posting news articles on Facebook, and grooving on the dance floor. 

Ben is lovingly remembered by his children, Noah Kittner and Pat Hemjan of Chapel Hill and Kaylie Kittner and Daniel Weiss of Raleigh. He held a deep love and respect for Noah and Kaylie’s mother, Kim, who remained a close companion and preceded Ben in death. He is also remembered by his siblings, Betty Kittner (Kent Dewey) of Greensboro; Berta Kittner (Robert Levin) of Chapel Hill; and Sam Kittner (Bobbi) of Takoma Park, MD; and their children, Louis Levin, Sally Levin, Max Kittner, and Joe Kittner. Additionally, his extended family of cousins and very dear friends will miss his presence in their lives. Ben will peacefully rest next to his beloved parents, Harry and Sarah Kittner.

A ceremony of life will be held on Sunday, 7/21, at 11:00 a.m. at Markham Memorial Gardens, 4826 Trenton Road, Chapel Hill, NC 27514.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Rose and Louis Kittner scholarship fund at UNC Chapel Hill, Restoration Weldon (the fundraising arm of Weldon in Action), or an organization of your choice promoting causes reminding of you Ben.