Dr. Benjamin M. Sorscher Room

Benjamin Martin Sorscher was born in Flint on March 3, 1932 to Norman and Rebecca Sorscher who had immigrated to the US from Eastern Europe and settled in Flint in the 1920s. Ben graduated from Flint Northern High School in 1950 and went to the University of Michigan, where he earned a degree in dental science. In 1955, he married Barbara Marks, a fellow student at the University of Michigan, and they moved back to Flint, where Ben opened his dental practice, caring for patients for almost 60 years.
A man of gentle demeanor, with unique wit, curiosity, and humility, Ben reveled in intellectual discourse, passionately engaging in topics ranging from current politics to the operatic works of Puccini to human nature. One of Ben’s heroes was Socrates, who challenged accepted truths, preferring deep questions over quick answers. He also subscribed to the Native American notion that the riches of the Earth belong to no one and need to be shared and preserved for future generations. He believed kindness was the most important quality a person could possess.

Ben and Barbara raised four sons who also attended Flint Public Schools. Barbara taught them the importance of achieving excellence; Ben encouraged them to spend weekends at the Flint Public Library where they read and listened to music and learned to appreciate art and science. All four have inherited their father’s humility and kindness, while meeting their mother’s expectations, each having a distinguished career in medicine.

Ben made a mark on the Flint community, sharing his passions freely – he was known to spontaneously give books, art, and music as gifts to friends when they dropped by the Sorscher home. He showed kindness to everyone, regardless of race, religion, or social standing. He had little interest in material wealth, but valued the riches of the heart and mind above all. To that end, he treasured the Flint Public Library, which opens the world of ideas and new possibilities to all.

A photo of Dr. Benjamin M. Sorscher
Donor
The Sorscher Family
Honoree
Dr. Benjamin M. Sorscher