NORTHFIELD, NJ—Benjamin Rudolph Caster of Northfield, New Jersey, the son of the late James Caster and Maria Smith Caster, was born on April 22, 1937, in Kilmarnock. He was peacefully called to eternal rest on Saturday, December 10, 2022, at home surrounded by family.
During his childhood Ben (Rudolph) became an active member of his home church of worship, Calvary Baptist Church. Upon moving to New Jersey, he continued his Christian experience and commitment to his faith by joining Union Baptist Temple in Atlantic City.
Ben attended Northumberland County Public Schools and graduated from Julius Rosenwald High School. He continued his education at Hampton Institute (University) in Hampton, earning a Bachelor of Science. Following graduation, Ben joined the United States Army. He completed two years of active duty in Fort Hood, Texas, where he served as military police and achieved the rank of first lieutenant.
After being honorably discharged, Ben chose to further his education by studying biology at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana. His quest for higher education continued and he later received a Master of Science degree from Virginia State University in Petersburg.
Ben chose to educate students back in his hometown. His first teaching position was at Brookvale High School in Lancaster. When he relocated to New Jersey in 1964 he joined Atlantic City High School as a biology teacher where he shared his love of science with his students for 27 years. He was recognized by the school system for faithful and meritorious service to students, parents, and colleagues.
Being special hometown friends and Hampton graduates, the hearts of Ben and Otelia Fisher were joined in holy matrimony in 1964. They were blessed with two daughters, Marcia Lanae and Karla Yvette.
As a husband, father and grandfather, he gave guidance, wit, wisdom and love. He never hesitated to give of himself to be helpful in any way he could. When it came to family, without hesitation, he would step in to make sure everything was taken care of and everyone was happy.
The grandchildren especially benefited from his generosity and they eagerly looked forward to his plans for them, such as boat rides, boardwalk fun, eating out, beach activities, Corvair rides and exciting vacations. During retirement, Ben indulged in his favorite pastimes—spending time with his brothers, sisters and extended family in Virginia and boating! He and Otelia navigated and cruised the waterways from New Jersey to Virginia many times. Retirement also afforded him the opportunity to spend enjoyable winters in sunny Florida.
His friendliness endeared him to his co-workers, students, neighbors and friends. He was a member of Atlantic County Retired Educators Association, New Jersey Educational Association and National Education Association.
Benjamin was preceded in death by his parents, James and Maria Caster; brothers, Robert J. Caster Sr., Herman P. Caster and Edmond B. Caster; and sisters, Lois C. Winstead, Marian Joan Geason and Patricia O. Caster.
Cherished memories will forever be treasured by his wife, Otelia; daughters, Marcia Caster (Marc), Karla Caster-Horn; son-in-law, Artemus A. Horn; grandchildren, India, Raine, Artemus and Myles; step-granddaughters, Nia and Krystal; sisters, Ruth Ball and Dorothy M. Caster; brothers, Willis H. Caster Sr. (Rosetta) and John Henry O. Caster; brother-in-law, Alvin L. Fisher (Juanita); sister-in-law, Victorine F. Brooks; and numerous nieces, nephews, loving relatives and friends.
Funeral services were held Friday, December 16, at Union Baptist Temple, Atlantic City, N.J. Interment followed in Atlantic City Cemetery, Pleasantville, N.J.
Condolences: Jennings Funeral Home, www.jenningsfuneralhome.net.
