Benjamin J. Maust

     Benjamin J. Maust, age 34, of Chester, VA, formerly of Tionesta, PA, died on Thursday, April 23, 2026, in Richmond, VA.  He was born December 23, 1991, in Franklin, PA, son of Danny L. and Kimberly A. (Elter) Maust of Tionesta, who survive.

     Ben attended St. Michael School in Fryburg, PA and St. Stephen School in Oil City, PA, before graduating from Venango Catholic High School in Oil City.  He completed his undergraduate education at Ithaca College in Ithaca, NY, where he studied Arabic and earned bachelor’s degrees in psychology and sociology.  He went on to earn his master’s degree in psychology from Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, VA.  He worked as a psychotherapist for the Cameron K. Gallagher Mental Health Resource Center, a division of the Children’s Hospital of Richmond.  In the evenings, he also worked part-time doing counseling via telehealth.

     Ben had a natural green thumb and loved taking care of his many plants.  He had a special place in his heart for orchids and was currently serving as the treasurer of the Orchid Society of Richmond.  Being fluent in three languages, he loved to travel the world, starting with a trip to New Zealand when he was 16.  He also enjoyed scuba diving and would often go on dives in the many places he visited.

     In addition to his parents, he is survived by his brother, Landon Maust, of Tionesta.  He is also survived by many aunts and uncles, including his special aunt Doretta Gardner and her husband, Greg, of Berlin, PA.

     He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Robert J. and Betty Lou (Hoppert) Maust, and his maternal grandparents, John J. and Mary “Maki” (Spieler) Elter.

     There will be no public visitation.  A memorial service is being planned by his Venango Catholic classmates, to be held in Tionesta on July 25, 2026.  Additional details will be announced by the family at a later date.  Local arrangements are under the direction of the Norman J. Wimer Funeral Home of Tionesta.  Messages of sympathy may be left at www.wimerfuneralhom.com or find us on Facebook.