Benjamin Delos Wilkinson

Benjamin Delos Wilkinson

Benjamin Delos Wilkinson died peacefully at the age of 77 on June 27, 2020 after a lengthy illness. Ben was born in Buffalo, New York, and grew up in the nearby town of East Bloomfield. He was always active as a child and throughout high school - participating in all sports - with a particular affinity for lacrosse. Well liked, he was known to be a bit of a character sometimes with a subtle smirk for his friends. A favorite story is of him skimming the cream off the milk delivered to his family daily. Always first out the door for school, he would enjoy his treat and leave just enough to be funny. Ben stayed in New York for college, graduating from Hobart College as a two-sport athlete (soccer and lacrosse) and having served as an Officer with his fraternity. Thereafter, Ben earned an MBA from the State University of New York Buffalo in Business Management while also serving in the National Guard. His career with the DuPont Company started shortly thereafter where he worked for 31 years serving in many departments at the corporate executive level. To each role, Ben brought a strong sense of fairness and equality, delivered results with a quiet confidence, and was respected by employees across all levels. He was particularly recognized for his support of the advancement of women during his career and also promoted this cause as an interim instructor at Hobart College.

For Ben, family was his primary concern and source of joy. His three sons remember him as selfless, generous with his time and resources, easy going, and always ready to help. His friends, similarly, remember his kind and gentle ways, and a charisma that made him easy to like. Many remember Ben for taking photos at his sons' athletic games. He had a passion for this, rarely missing a game, and was quick to share pictures with the team and their families each week. He made people feel special. Other family memories include his grilled chicken dinners, choice of corny television shows, obsession with running, and the daily journals that he kept for decades.

Benny / Ben / Dad / Bubba was predeceased by his parents, Algreta K. and Delos E. Wilkinson. He is survived by his wife, Jan, and their three sons, David (Katie) of Wilmington, DE, Steve of Greenville, DE and John (Libby) of Chevy Chase, MD., and nine grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Joann (Bill) Schultheis, of Cherry Valley, Illinois. The family is grateful for the care that Ben received at Regal Heights Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center in Hockessin, Delaware. Additionally, the family is thankful for the care provided the past several months by Delaware Hospice, particularly Nurse Faith. A final gesture of Ben was the decision to donate his body to science for the advancement of a variety of studies. When he completes this part of his journey there will be a small service to celebrate his life. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests sending memorial contributions, in Ben Wilkinson's name, to Wilmington Friends School, 101 School Rd., Wilmington, DE 19803 or www.wilmingtonfriends.org/donate-now