Benjamin L. Wigfall NEW PALTZ-Benjamin L. Wigfall, 86 of New Paltz, N.Y., passed away on Thursday, Feb. 9, 2017, at Vassar Brothers Medical Center, Poughkeepsie, N.Y. Born on Nov. 17, 1930, in Richmond, Va., he was the son of the late James Andrew and the late Willie Cozenia Johnson Wigfall. He was the brother of Josie Rice of San Antonio, Texas and the late Evelyn Smith of Baltimore, Md. Mr. Wigfall married Mary E. Carter on July 13, 1955 at Moore Street Baptist Church, Richmond, Va. He retired as an Art Professor at SUNY at New Paltz, N.Y., where he taught for over 30 years. He later opened the Watermark Cargo Gallery in Kingston, N.Y. Surviving are his wife of 61 years, Mary E. Carter of New Paltz, N.Y.; a son, Gino Wigfall of New Paltz, N.Y.; a daughter and son-in-law, Gia and Dr. T. Peter Oke-Bello and grandsons, Benjamin, Kayode, Elijah, and Moses Oke-Bello of Raleigh, N.C. Arrangements are under the direction of Copeland Funeral Home, Inc., 162 S. Putt Corners Road, New Paltz, N.Y. 12561. Condolences may be made to the family at www.copelandfhnp.com. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

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Published by Daily Freeman from Feb. 11 to Feb. 12, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Benjamin Wigfall

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16 Entries

Phyllis Lanson Kulmatiski´70

October 16, 2022

I studied printmaking with Mr. Wigfall in the late sixties. He was a wonderful, encouraging teaching and a warm, caring man. I have very fond memories of his taking us to the Ashokan campus to draw and camp overnight. We told stories around the campfire. My condolences to his family.

William (Billy) H. Bazemore

August 13, 2020

I often think of Cousin Ben, his mother Aunt Willie and my second cousins Gino and Gia. Distance between your home and New York City kept us from seeing each other probably not more than twice a year. However, I still remember your childhood home in what I allied the woods.

I am the youngest child of your Uncle Daniel A. Bazemore and Aunt Ethel Johnson Bazemore from The Bronx (NYC). Both my parents, like yours, have a home above the sky, as well as, my three eldest siblings, Daniel Jr., Daisy Victoria and Yvonne.

If my cousins or second cousins ever get a chance to read this notice know that I would love to hear from you. Although this may be inappropriate at this time, I can think of no other way to ask to be contacted. I would be most appreciative of hearing from members of my family. The number that will never change is: 917-502-1876.

My heartfelt condolences are respectfully expressed.

Sherry Frumkin Soto

February 5, 2020

Its clear that Mr. Wigfall made a deep and lasting impression on my life. I graduated 50 years ago and moved to Mexico where I remain and hes as fresh in my mind as if it were yesterday. He was a great teacher and I always felt him to be a good man and a good friend.
My heartfelt condolences go out to his loved ones. One year is not enough time to grieve. No matter ones age. Be well. Enjoy the fun memories he surely left you.

Angela DiGiovanni

February 25, 2019

I studied printmaking at SUNY New Paltz with Ben Wigfall in the 70's and was inspired to work in this medium for many years. He was absolutely wonderful. I am so sorry for your loss.

Anita Breedlove-Hines

August 5, 2017

You have my deepest condolences from his cousin Anita Breedlove Hines in New York City. Haven't seen cousin Ben since my Mother's passing in 1998. Daisy Johnson Breedlove, May he reign with the Lord forever. Love from N.Y.C. family!!

Wilma Kelley

June 12, 2017

A very wonderful man and talented artist, you will be missed by many. I still thank you for teaching me the process of making prints.
Wilma Kelley

March 26, 2017

My heartfelt condolences to you and your family, Mary. Remember you two fondly.
Sincerely,
Margaret Shearin Bell
Hampton Institute and
Carver High School

Betty Brown-Jones

March 24, 2017

I knew Ben Wigfall as an Art student and later Art teacher at Hampton University in 1954 - 1958. His wife Mary Carter Wigfall was an Art teacher at Carver High School in Warwick, VA the site
of my first job teaching English. Mary and I rode together to school each day and got to know each other well. She and Ben were a wonderful couple and so well suited for each other. They were both talented artists, and were indeed "soul mates."

My sincere condolences to Mary and her family as you grieve your loss. For me and my husband Preston, we are thankful for Ben's life and his talent which he shared freely. We looked up to him at HU and remember him with love and respect.

Betty Brown Jones
S. Preston Jones

Stephanie Sunshine

February 22, 2017

I met "Wigfall", as a 17 year old art student at New Paltz. He called me "Sunshine". He always had a hug and big smile. I learned of his passing today February 21,in a local newspaper. As my deep felt condolences go out to all his family and friends, he will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Patty Rice-Spivey

February 18, 2017

Uncle Ben has always been a role model and inspiration to me in his insightful passion for art. He was a kind and loving man and will be missed very much.

Patty Rice-Spivey

February 18, 2017

Uncle Ben has always been a role model and inspiration to me in his insightful passion for art. He was a kind and loving man and will be missed very much.

Sharon

February 13, 2017

To the family and my Beloved Community, were we blessed to be under the
tutelage of THIS MAN? YES!

Renaissance Man

Sharon

February 13, 2017

Ben Wigfall, MannyFest II, June 19, 2004

Jack Murphy

February 11, 2017

Sherry Frumkin

February 11, 2017

I reach out to you to convey my heartfelt condolences. I was a student of Mr. Wigfall who graduated in 1969 and have married and lived in Mexico ever since. Still I have a vivid rememberance of a wonderful man and fine teacher, who was always playful and a delight to learn from. He'll always be remember with kind thoughts.

I wish you, Mrs. Wigfall, my best, as well of all your family.

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