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.
Ben Oyekunle
May 1, 1952 — April 11, 2026
Engineer, teacher, pastor, husband, father, grandfather — and a steady presence to everyone who loved him.

His story
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.
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.
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.



Service details
Friday
4:00 – 7:00 pm
Wake
Callahan Fay & Caswell Funeral Home, 61 Myrtle St, Worcester, MA 01608
Saturday
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 YouTube2:30 – 6:00 pm
Reception
St. Joan of Arc Parish, 570 Lincoln St, Worcester, MA 01605
Sunday
10:00 am
Church thanksgiving service
Cross of Light Ministry, 584 Cambridge St, Worcester, MA 01610
Travel
Hilton Garden Inn Worcester
35 Major Taylor Boulevard, Worcester.
20% family discount — use code 2697796
AC Hotel Worcester
125 Front Street, Worcester.
Courtyard by Marriott Worcester
72 Grove Street, Worcester.
Other Worcester hotels and Airbnb near Cross of Light Ministry, 584 Cambridge St, Worcester.
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Guestbook
Share a memory, prayer, or note for the family.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Daughter
Apr 13, 2026
Daddy — I hope this site does you justice. You deserve the world and more. I love you endlessly.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Daughter
Apr 13, 2026
Daddy — I hope this site does you justice. You deserve the world and more. I love you endlessly.

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