Ben Oyekunle. (Courtesy photo)
Ben Adebisi Oyekunle, 73, of Harvard, died peacefully on Friday, April 10, 2026, in his home.
Ben was born in Ejigbo, Osun State in Nigeria, on May 1, 1952. He was born as a Yoruba prince of Ika-Orangun in Ejigbo LGA of Osun State, Nigeria, where his father reigned as a traditional ruler. His father was His Royal Majesty Oba Abraham Iwaloye Oyekunle, who died in 1974. His mother was Queen Dorcas Subulade Oyekunle, a businesswoman, who died in 1980.
Ben was a lifelong learner and always the sharpest in the room. He completed his primary, secondary, and A levels in Ghana and was always top of his class. He departed Ghana in 1972 with a scholarship for a dual Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering and management at MIT, which he completed in 1976. The following year, he completed a master’s degree in computer engineering at McGill University. Ben returned stateside in 1978 to complete a Master of Science degree in computer software engineering at Columbia University.
A technologist with the ability to bridge software and hardware, Ben achieved an illustrious career in software engineering across companies in financial services and telecommunications. Ben officially retired in 2023 to focus on his family and faith.
Ben had many hobbies throughout his life. He was an avid fan of the Boston Celtics. He loved playing and watching tennis. He also followed soccer, supporting Arsenal in the UEFA league, and was once a coach of a Harvard Youth Soccer team. Ben rarely missed “Jeopardy” or “60 Minutes.” He was an avid fan of Kenny Rogers, Bob Marley, Herbie Hancock, George Benson, and gospel music.
Central to Ben’s life was his Christian faith. In 2005, Ben and his wife cofounded Cross of Light Ministry in Worcester. He was officially ordained as a pastor at the church in 2010. In addition to being a theological scholar, he completed a Master of Arts degree in teaching at Clark University in 2013, and founded the Bethel Bible Institute, educating the community on the Word of God. Ben’s journey mirrored his faith and personal philosophy: the importance of prayer and regular health checkups. Those who knew him best envisioned him as a fabled warrior who triumphed over many odds and ultimately died in peace, which the family believes were gifts from God.
The loss of Ben will cast a shadow on his extensive family. He is immediately survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Pastor Bukola T. Oyekunle (Badejo); his children, Remi Bullard and his wife Malaika, Yomi Oyekunle, Funmi Oyekunle, Ronke Oyekunle, and Deji Oyekunle; and two grandchildren, Reina and Micah Bullard.
He is also survived by his siblings in the U.S. and Nigeria including Simon Oyekunle, Comfort Akinwale (Oyekunle), Joel Oyekunle, and Israel Adekunle Oyekunle.
Visiting hours will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, May 8, in the Callahan Fay & Caswell Funeral Home, Worcester. A Celebration of Life service will be held from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, May 9, at Cross of Light Ministry, 584 Cambridge St., Worcester. Burial and reception will follow afterward in Harvard. Finally, there will be a thanksgiving church service from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, May 10.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you share your condolences, memories, and support through his remembrance website, OyekunleFamily.com.