Ben Oyekunle

May 1, 1952 — April 11, 2026

Engineer, teacher, pastor, husband, father, grandfather — and a steady presence to everyone who loved him.

Ben Oyekunle.

His story

Introduction

Ben Adebisi Oyekunle, 73, of Harvard, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully at home on April 11, 2026, after a courageous fight against rare prostate cancer and multiple myeloma. Born in Nigeria and shaped by his years in Ghana, Ben carried his Yoruba heritage with pride throughout his life.

Education and career

Ben earned a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from MIT in 1976 and later studied computer software engineering at Columbia University. He worked across financial services, telecommunications, and the public sector, and taught in Worcester. His life joined intellect with steadiness, discipline with generosity.

Faith, family, and the things he loved

Alongside his wife, Pastor Bukola T. Oyekunle, Ben helped build Cross of Light Ministry into a spiritual home for many. He loved the Celtics, tennis, Arsenal, Jeopardy, 60 Minutes, and music from gospel to Kenny Rogers, Bob Marley, and Herbie Hancock. He is survived by his wife of 40 years, his children Remi, Yomi, Funmi, Ronke, and Deji, his grandchildren Reina and Micah, and a wide community who will miss him deeply.

Ben with his grandchildren.
Ben and Bukola at home.
The Oyekunle family together.

Service details

Funeral weekend

Friday

May 8, 2026

4:00 – 7:00 pm

Wake

Callahan Fay & Caswell Funeral Home, 61 Myrtle St, Worcester, MA 01608

Saturday

May 9, 2026

10:00 – 11:00 am

Viewing

Cross of Light Ministry, 584 Cambridge St, Worcester, MA 01610

11:00 am – 1:00 pm

Funeral service

Cross of Light Ministry, 584 Cambridge St, Worcester, MA 01610

Watch the funeral service on YouTube

2:30 – 6:00 pm

Reception

St. Joan of Arc Parish, 570 Lincoln St, Worcester, MA 01605

Sunday

May 10, 2026

10:00 am

Church thanksgiving service

Cross of Light Ministry, 584 Cambridge St, Worcester, MA 01610

Guestbook

Leave a remembrance.

Share a memory, prayer, or note for the family.

Auntie Shade

Family friend

Apr 12, 2026

Brother Ben was one of the most gentle souls I have ever known. He always had a kind word and a warm smile for everyone. We will miss him dearly. Rest well, my brother.

Pastor David Adeyemi

Church family

Apr 12, 2026

Ben was a pillar of faith and quiet strength. His devotion to God, to Bukola, and to the ministry was unwavering. Heaven has gained a faithful servant. Our prayers are with the entire Oyekunle family.

Michael Thompson

MIT classmate

Apr 12, 2026

I met Ben in our freshman year at MIT in 1972. He was the smartest, humblest person in the room — always willing to help anyone who asked. His legacy lives on in every life he touched. Sending love to the family.

Funmi Oyekunle

Daughter

Apr 12, 2026

Daddy, you taught us what it means to be steady, to love without conditions, and to trust God through everything. I will carry your lessons with me always. I love you forever.

Deacon James Bakare

Cross of Light Ministry

Apr 13, 2026

Ben's faith was not just spoken — it was lived. Every Sunday, every service, every quiet act of kindness. He showed us all what it means to serve. We love you, Brother Ben.

Tunde and Bisi Ojo

Family friends

Apr 13, 2026

We are heartbroken but grateful for the time we shared with Ben. From summer barbecues in Harvard to long conversations about Arsenal and the Celtics — he made every moment special. Our deepest condolences to Bukola and the children.

Dr. Sarah Mitchell

Care team, Mass General

Apr 13, 2026

It was a privilege to care for Ben. His courage, humor, and grace through every treatment inspired our entire team. He never complained — he always asked how we were doing instead. A truly remarkable man.

Yomi Oyekunle

Son

Apr 13, 2026

Dad, you were the strongest man I ever knew. Not because you never struggled, but because you never let it stop you from showing up for us. Thank you for everything. We'll make you proud.

Mrs. Patricia Williams

Neighbor, Harvard MA

Apr 13, 2026

Ben was the kind of neighbor everyone deserves. He would shovel our driveway before we even woke up. Always checking in, always caring. Our little street in Harvard won't be the same without him.

Ronke Oyekunle

Daughter

Apr 13, 2026

Daddy — I hope this site does you justice. You deserve the world and more. I love you endlessly.

Auntie Shade

Family friend

Apr 12, 2026

Brother Ben was one of the most gentle souls I have ever known. He always had a kind word and a warm smile for everyone. We will miss him dearly. Rest well, my brother.

Pastor David Adeyemi

Church family

Apr 12, 2026

Ben was a pillar of faith and quiet strength. His devotion to God, to Bukola, and to the ministry was unwavering. Heaven has gained a faithful servant. Our prayers are with the entire Oyekunle family.

Michael Thompson

MIT classmate

Apr 12, 2026

I met Ben in our freshman year at MIT in 1972. He was the smartest, humblest person in the room — always willing to help anyone who asked. His legacy lives on in every life he touched. Sending love to the family.

Funmi Oyekunle

Daughter

Apr 12, 2026

Daddy, you taught us what it means to be steady, to love without conditions, and to trust God through everything. I will carry your lessons with me always. I love you forever.

Deacon James Bakare

Cross of Light Ministry

Apr 13, 2026

Ben's faith was not just spoken — it was lived. Every Sunday, every service, every quiet act of kindness. He showed us all what it means to serve. We love you, Brother Ben.

Tunde and Bisi Ojo

Family friends

Apr 13, 2026

We are heartbroken but grateful for the time we shared with Ben. From summer barbecues in Harvard to long conversations about Arsenal and the Celtics — he made every moment special. Our deepest condolences to Bukola and the children.

Dr. Sarah Mitchell

Care team, Mass General

Apr 13, 2026

It was a privilege to care for Ben. His courage, humor, and grace through every treatment inspired our entire team. He never complained — he always asked how we were doing instead. A truly remarkable man.

Yomi Oyekunle

Son

Apr 13, 2026

Dad, you were the strongest man I ever knew. Not because you never struggled, but because you never let it stop you from showing up for us. Thank you for everything. We'll make you proud.

Mrs. Patricia Williams

Neighbor, Harvard MA

Apr 13, 2026

Ben was the kind of neighbor everyone deserves. He would shovel our driveway before we even woke up. Always checking in, always caring. Our little street in Harvard won't be the same without him.

Ronke Oyekunle

Daughter

Apr 13, 2026

Daddy — I hope this site does you justice. You deserve the world and more. I love you endlessly.

Support the family

Ways to give.

Support goes to the family and to causes Ben cared about, including Mass General Brigham, Angel Flight NE, and Patient Advocate Foundation.

Ben and Bukola.

With love,
the Oyekunle family.

Contact us

Reach out with any questions about the services, travel, or the memorial website.