Ben Grate

Ben Grate was born on May 12, 1939, in Georgetown, South Carolina to the late Joe Grate, Sr and Mary Vanderhorst Grate. His parents, a sister, LuAnna (Midge) Grate, four brothers Joe Grate, Jr., Zack Grate, Sr., Henry Grate, & Arthur Grate, a wife, Mary Ella Robinson Grate & Daughter Ella Marie Miller, all preceded him in death.

In early youth, he attended Friendship-St. Mary AME Church in the Annie Village Community of Georgetown, South Carolina. Ben attended school in the Georgetown County School District. He later migrated to New York for work. He was employed at Delaware and Hudson Railway Company as a Locative Engineer for 27 years. He drove for Albany Yellow Cab Company for 3 years. His love and hobby were playing bingo, especially at the casino. Ben was a people person; he enjoyed his family & friends. His enormous love of life will always be cherished & remembered.

Ben leaves to cherish his memories and continued legacy. Nine Children: Christina Grate of Albany, New York, Angela (Hank) Grate of Hartford, Connecticut, Brenda Grate of Hartford, Connecticut, Michael B. Grate (Gloria) of East Hartford, Connecticut, Lekedrick Grate of Albany, New York, Ja'Cari Grate of Albany, New York, Jamin Grate (Annalisa) of Greensboro, North Carolina and Johan (Lemonda) of Texas. Two Sisters: Frances G Ford of Georgetown, South Carolina, Tena G Ponteau (Willie Sam) of Georgetown, South Carolina. One Brother: Luther Grate (Sopie) of Georgetown, South Carolina. Four Stepchildren: Robert Miller, Cynthia Miller, Jeffrey Miller, Gregory Miller all of Albany, New York. Four Sister-In-Laws: Carolyn Grate of Georgetown, South Carolina, Mary Ethel Small of Albany, New York, Betty M Grate of Mt Pleasant, South Carolina and Elwanda Grate of New Haven, Connecticut. A dear friend, Loris Smith of Albany, New York, 10 Grand Children, 2 Great Grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and associates.

Calling hours will take place at New Comer Cremations & Funerals, 181 Troy Schenectady Road, Watervliet, New York 12189 on Friday July 15, 2022 from 10 to 12pm with a service to immediately follow at 12pm. Burial will follow the service at Graceland Cemetery, 680 Delaware Ave, Albany, NY 12209.