Obituary of Benjamin J. Wilkerson

ROCHESTER, NY – March 09, 2025 Mr. Wilkerson was born March 26, 1928 in Philadelphia, PA. He is the son of the late Benjamin Wilkerson Sr. and the late Alberta (Harris) Wilkerson. Ben attended Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf from 1936 to 1941. His family relocated to Rochester, NY in 1941 where he then attended the Rochester School for the Deaf. He played on the schools’ basketball team and played recreationally as an adult. He worked different jobs, bartender, capping factory, cook/helper at the University of Rochester, and Monroe County Water Arboretum for 23 years until retirement. He came out of retirement to work for Budget Car Rental before retiring for good. Ben became a member of the Rochester Recreational Club for the Deaf (RRCD) in 1948. He received a trophy for being the oldest original RRCD member. He enjoyed playing Euchre, Poker and socializing with friends at the RRCD. In additional to playing basketball Ben was part of a bowling league also. He enjoyed traveling, going to casinos and fishing. Benjamin James Wilkerson Jr. 96, departed this life on Sunday, March 9, 2025. Benjamin is preceded in death by parents, Alberta L. Wilkerson and Benjamin Wilkerson Sr.; sister, Dorothy Jentons; half sisters, Mildred Joan Wilkerson Francisco, Michele Wilkerson Scott, Rosalie Wilkerson Baker. Ben is survived by; one brother, William Wilkerson, nieces, nephews, RRCD family and friends. Friends may call Saturday, March 15 from 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM at The Latimer Chapel, 983 South Plymouth Avenue, Rochester, NY. The Funeral Service to Celebrate his life will immediately follow at 12 Noon. Interment Mt. Hope Cemetery, Rochester, NY.