He earned a Bachelor’s Degree from Wofford College and both a Master’s and Doctorate of Education from the University of Virginia and was a member of Phi Beta Kappa. He was a WWII veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps where he was awarded a Silver Star and a Purple Heart.
He was employed as a Publisher at Ginn and Co. (K-12). Early in his life, Ben taught at Spartanburg’s Jenkins Jr. High. He also served as Executive Director of Hammond Castle Museum, Consultant for ESCNE, ABLE and United Way of Greater Boston, was Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of Spartanburg and was in Who’s Who in America. He was a Trustee for The Boston Atheneum Library and the Boston Concert Opera. He was Director of the Boston Ballet Company, the Opera Company of Boston, the Spartanburg Garden Club, Bethlehem Center, Ballet Spartanburg, and a member of the South Carolina Order of Silver Crescent.
He survived an eight year battle with colon cancer.
Survivors include his devoted wife, Jo-Ellen DeLuca; a stepson, John Corkery Lorenz; three brothers-in-law, Dennis Corkery (Tami); nephews, Sam and Ben, Robert Corkery (Kim), and Thomas Corkery; and his loving pets, Lexie Dubie.
Memorials in his honor may be made to Colon Cancer Solutions, 546 Twin Dr., Ste A, Spartanburg, SC 29302.
A wake will be held Friday, June 1st from 5:00 to 8:00 PM at 132 Fernbrook Circle (Dennis Tami Corkery).