Benjamin Colby Tassinari, son of Dr. Robin and Anne Tassinari, brother of Kate, Sam, Meg, Jessica, Oliver, Cynthia and Alex Tassinari, brother in-law to Tracy Tassinari and Jason Rose, and beloved uncle to Julia Rose, and Alice and Helen Tassinari, lost his long battle with cancer on Saturday the 28th of April, 2007, when he passed peacefully at Massachusetts General Hospital at the age of 30 surrounded by his family and close friend Carrie Coe. Ben lived a very big life! Graduating from Chatham High School in 1994, Ben participated in many school and community activities. Along with being a stand-out member of the varsity soccer team, gymnastics team, school orchestra, and the NYS Youth Orchestra, Ben also performed in the many musical plays put on by the theatre department and was involved in student government. He was known by many of the families in and around Chatham as a life guard at Crellin Park.  As well as being a gifted vocalist, Ben played many instruments including the cello, banjo, mandolin and guitar. Ben graduated from Bates College in Lewiston, Maine, with a BS in Biology where he was very involved in the a cappella group "The Deansmen" during all four years. After college, Ben worked in California at the Catalina Island Marine Institute (CIMI) as an instructor of marine biology, music and sailing. Working first in Toyon Bay on Catalina Island and later on various CIMI tall ships, Ben became very interested in maritime studies, and attained his captain's license. After working in CIMI's Tall Ship Program, Ben went on to work on the Endeavor, a research vessel operated by the University of Rhode Island, that traveled to many places including Barbados, Iceland, Newfoundland, Norway, Istanbul, and France. In 2002 Ben recorded "Wind in the Rigging," which showcased his love for sea chanties and music in general. It is still used as an instructional CD at CIMI and many schools throughout the country. His last job was as first mate in a return to the Tole Mour , a CIMI tri-masted topsail schooner. He touched the lives of many instructors, students and summer campers with his infectious laughter, chantey singing, juggling and enthusiasm. An avid free diver and spear fisherman, Ben spent much of his adult life in a wet suit.  Ben will be sorely missed by his family and his devoted "Shadydog," as well as a multitude of loyal friends, but the memory of his "larger than life" personality will live on forever. Family will receive friends at the French, Gifford, Preiter & Blasl Funeral Home 25 Railroad Avenue, Chatham, New York Monday April 30 from 2-4 and 7-9pm. A mass of Christian Burialwill be celebrated Tuesday May 1st at Saint Peter's Church  in Great Barrington, MA. at 11am.  Interment will follow at Spencertown Cemetery, Spencertown NY. For directions or to send an on line condolence visit www.frenchblasl.com.In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Benjamin Tassinari Tall Ship Scholarship Fund, C/O Guided Discoveries, PO Box 1360, Claremont CA. 91711