Benjamin James Sikorra

Benjamin James Sikorra burst into the world on November 19, 1994. From that day forward, he lived with fire, passion, and joy.

No one could think of Ben without remembering his broad infectious smile or his unrestrained laughter that often left him breathless and wiping away tears of joy.

Ben loved deeply. He was affectionate and fiercely loyal to his family, including his Catholic cousins.

Never accepting defeat or “less than,” Ben was voted “Best Senior Ever” upon graduating from Agoura High School. Although blind, he could never understand why the football coach wouldn’t put him into a game.

“Just one play, Coach! Just one play!” he pleaded.

Undeterred, Ben passionately screamed from the sidelines for someone to get tackled. Anyone.

Equally confusing to Ben was why his father wouldn’t simply hand over the car keys. Still, he loved grabbing the steering wheel unexpectedly and driving “his” car.

Ben landed his dream job at Chick-fil-A. Whether guarding the cow (which he would conspiratorially inform coworkers was “not a real cow”) or wiping tables alongside his mom or dad—mostly mom—it was always his pleasure to serve.

Ben learned to snow ski and water ski while blind. He spent time learning to become a rock-and-roll drummer (not our favorite season). He sang his own melody to nearly every song he heard and freely offered grand advice to friends about college, dating, and marriage.

Despite his visual impairment, Ben considered everyone else’s nervousness completely unnecessary whenever he rode his bike or skateboard. He also possessed a remarkable ability to crash into expensive cars, including his Uncle John’s Bentley. Thankfully, Uncle John graciously waited years before telling us about that one.

Ben was gregarious, funny, and larger-than-life.

On May 17, 2026, with his mother and father holding him, Ben passed peacefully into the arms of his Savior, where he was reunited in heaven with his brother, John.

He will certainly be remembered with tears.

But we are quite sure Ben would prefer to be remembered with laughter.

Benjamin’s Celebration of Life will be held on June 12, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Maximilian Kolbe Catholic Church. A reception will follow.

If possible, please RSVP to 818-634-6067.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ben’s memory to the Beyond Batten Disease Foundation.

PO Box 50221

Austin, TX 78763

Beyond Batten Disease Foundation