Benjamin James Sugarman

Benjamin James Sugarman (Ben), 13, of Indianapolis, Indiana, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on April 26, 2023. He was born on March 31, 2010, in Indianapolis, to Brad and Katie (Posther) Sugarman.

Ben faced every day with incredible joy, strength and courage. He taught us to persevere, to give and receive unconditional love with grace, and he smiled with an expression of the divine. He loved rides outside in his stroller, sitting under the trees, watching the sunset in his swing, listening to music (especially Michael Jackson), dance parties, massage therapy, watching movies, and reading books with friends and family. He was an experienced road tripper to Florida and Michigan, and happily squeezed himself into a bike trailer with beach supplies to ride to the seaside.

Ben’s family will be forever grateful to all of the caregivers, nurses, therapists, physicians, and hospital and hospice staff who helped provide best-in-class care to Ben, an extended family affectionately known as “Team Ben.” Ben smiled and laughed from beginning to end and that is a testament to the tireless care and love Team Ben provided.

Ben is survived by his mother Katie, father Brad and bonus mom Kara (Pulver) Sugarman; big brother Gus Sugarman and sisters Grace and Ava Gongwer; grandparents Sherry Sugarman, Sue and Mike Horton, Don and Dottie Sugarman, and Dan and Deb Pulver; aunts Mary and Rachel Horton, aunt Amy and uncle Earl Dietrich, cousins Sammi and Ashley Dietrich, and great-grandma Annie Posther.

There will be a Celebration of Life for Ben on Sunday, June 25, 2023, from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm, with a memorial service starting at 10:00 am, at the Indianapolis Art Center, 820 East 67^th Street in Indianapolis. All are welcome to attend this opportunity to share the love, grace and gratitude that Ben gave each of us during his short, joyful life.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Ben’s memory to the following organizations that help children and young adults with disabilities reach their full potential and experience all the richness and opportunities life has to offer them. Thank you in advance for your generosity.

The Jackson Center for Conductive Education (Mooresville, IN)

Visually Impaired Preschool Services of Indiana (Indianapolis, IN)

Benjamin’s Hope (Holland, MI)

For more photos and information about Ben’s life, please use the following link:

https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/bensugarman