mobanmarketCOOK COUNTY, IL — A Wisconsin father who was last seen at a business dinner in Crystal Lake is being remembered for his selflessness and zest for life.
Benjamin Oberto, 45, was first reported missing after he never returned home to New Berlin, Wisconsin, after leaving 1776 Restaurant in Crystal Lake on the night of November 13. Two days later, officers with the Rosemont Police Department found a Subaru Impreza with Wisconsin registration partially submerged in a creek at the bottom of an enbankment on the curve of the Interstate 90 eastbound ramp to Interstate 294 northbound.
Divers with the police department found a body inside the vehicle, which was later identified as Oberto, according to the news release. Oberto’s cause of death has not yet been released.
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Oberto was a sales manager for Massanois, LLC. The New York-based wine distribution company shared news of Oberto’s death over the weekend on its Facebook page.
“It is with a heavy heart that we write to inform you that Ben Oberto, while driving home to his family, passed away in a tragic car accident on Wednesday, November 13th. Our hearts go out to his wife, Laura; his children Collette and Augie; and his immediate family,” according to the Facebook post. “Ben’s levity, kindness, and enthusiasm will be dearly missed by his friends and colleagues. Ben’s unflagging work ethic and “can-do” spirit have played a vital role in the Massanois story; the next chapter will not be the same without him.”
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Surveillance video provided by 1776 Restaurant shows Oberto leaving at 8:56 p.m. Wednesday and driving out of the parking lot at 9:02 p.m., according to NBC 5 Chicago. He took I-90 toward his home, and his phone last pinged on the Verizon network at 9:47 p.m. in Rosemont.
Laura Leatherberry, Benjamin’s wife, said she spent more than 60 hours “searching, wondering, and fighting to find” her husband before learning his car had gone off the freeway while navigating “a challenging turn towards home on a dark, rainy, and foggy night.”
“Ben was not just my husband; he was a loving father, a cherished son, a caring brother, and a true friend to so many. His vibrant spirit, loving heart, and unmatched generosity left an indelible mark on every life he touched,” Leatherberry wrote in a Facebook post.
Illinois State Police were not releasing any additional information Monday morning into the investigation or Oberto’s death.
Oberto was considered a friend to many working at 1776 Restaurant, and the “1776 family is mourning” his death, according to a Monday post 0n the 1776 Facebook page.
“The restaurant community often creates deep friendships and tight bonds. Many of those go beyond the normal scope of our day to day. Ben was so much more to us than a wine representative or industry partner. He brought so much joy and laughter into our lives,” according to the Facebook post. “Ben quickly became family to our staffers and gained many friendships with our guests over the years. He had an incredible ability to connect with anyone he met. He breathed so much passion and excitement in sharing his knowledge. He was a generous man and would jump at the chance to educate and inspire anyone who would listen. To those that were lucky to befriend him in our space, consider trying a bottle from a region you have never heard of in his honor. Ben fancied Italian wines and would have loved that you are reaching beyond, expanding your palate. Ben was such a treasure to us all, we will be forever grateful for his presence in our lives.”
An online fundraiser has been set up to bring in money for Oberto’s family and has raised more than $87,000 as of Thursday afternoon. The fundraiser is being organized by Massanois, LLC, and a friend of the Oberto’s family, Jennifer Powell.
“Ben was not only the backbone of his family but also a kind and selfless member of our community. He always had a smile on his face, was ready to lend a helping hand to anyone in need, and had an infectious zest for life. His absence will be felt by the countless lives he touched,” Powell wrote in the GoFundMe post. “Ben was a pillar of Massanois and the wine industry at large, and a beloved friend and colleague to thousands around the globe.”
Funds raised will help the financial burden Oberto’s late wife will be facing following his death.
Those interested in donating to the fundraiser can do so here.
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