Ben Adebisi Oyekunle

Ben Adebisi Oyekunle, 73, of Harvard, passed away 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 passed away in 1974. His mother was Queen Dorcas Subulade Oyekunle, a businesswoman, who passed away 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 of Science degree in Computer Engineering at McGill University in Canada. Ben returned stateside in 1978 to complete a Master of Science 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 co-founded Cross of Light Ministry in Worcester, MA. 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 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 as a fabled warrior who triumphed over many odds and ultimately passed 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; two grandchildren, Reina and Micah Bullard.

He is also survived by his siblings in the US and Nigeria including; Simon Oyekunle, Comfort Akinwale (Oyekunle), Joel Oyekunle and Israel Adekunle Oyekunle.

Visiting hours will be held from 4PM to 7PM on Friday, May 8, in the Callahan, Fay & Caswell Funeral Home, Worcester MA.

The Celebration of Life Service will be held from 10AM until 12PM on Saturday, May 9 at Cross of Light Ministry, 584 Cambridge St. Worcester. The burial and reception will follow afterward in Harvard MA.

Finally, there will be a Thanksgiving church service from 10AM to 12:30PM 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