"I was lucky enough to be his assistant during his last years at Coastal, he was an exceptional boss, and friend. Always had a joke to tell no matter the issues going on. I know he adored all his kids and sweet little Chloe. John will be missed in all our hearts. Very sad to see his health decline, but I know he is in a much better place with his beloved, Mary. Miss you Big John!
Silvana & the Twins
"
In loving memory of
John Francis Bennett
January 20, 1938 - November 16, 2018
John Francis Bennett, age 80 of Fort Lauderdale, passed away peacefully surrounded by his children Friday evening November 16, 2018. John was born on January 20, 1938, in Boston, Massachusetts to John and Helen Bennett. He married his high school sweetheart Mary Bennett on September 26, 1959, after his graduation from Brown University. Mary and John were married for 53 wonderful years until her passing in 2013. John had four amazing children, his two sons John Jr and Timothy and two daughters Lisa and Martha. John was one of 8 children and is survived by his brothers Albert, William, Charles and his sisters Helen, Rosemary and Carole. His eldest brother Thomas is deceased. John started his business career in Rochester, Minnesota and moved to Fort Lauderdale in 1970 where he became President of Adobe Building Centers in 1971. He eventually started his own business,
Color-Rite Building Supply in 1981 and in 1995 sold it to Rinker Building Materials.
John was an ever-present optimist and always had a warm smile and a joke for everyone he met. He worked diligently until the age of 78 in the construction business. He was on the board of the Construction Association of South Florida for 32 years. In addition, he also served terms on other boards of the ABC, AGC, ASPE, and LBA. John also helped create the Construction Executives Association ( CEA).
John was dedicated to his family, his wife and his faith. He enjoyed most weekends spending time with his children and his 7 grandchildren. John was a Florida Gators football fan and NBA basketball fan and liked spending time with his sons watching and attending games. Prior to his wife's passing, they enjoyed traveling to their favorite vacation spots in St. Thomas and New York City. John will forever be in the hearts of his 4 children and is now in heaven with his wife Mary and his savior Jesus Christ. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, November 27, 2018, from 5:00pm - 8:00pm at Fred Hunter Funeral Home, 718 South Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316. A Funeral Mass Celebrating his life will be held the following day on Wednesday, November 28, 2018, at 10:00am at St. Anthony Catholic Church, 901 NE 2nd Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. Condolences may be shared at www.fredhunters.com.
Tributes
"I was just a young girl answering phones and helping with the Construction Executives Association and only personally met John a few times. But do you know that phone call you get at the office that always makes you smile? Those were calls I received from John Bennett.... every single time!
May the angels now smile with your presence in Heaven, John.
My condolences to you all and to John's family at this difficult time.
Daniele Longo, FLCC"
"I knew John through his involvement with the University of Florida's Rinker School of Construction Management's Executive Committee. He was always such a pleasure to see, had invaluable advice and was such a positive spirit. I truly enjoyed seeing him at each of the meetings. My condolences are with you and your family at this difficult time. Kim Stanley Assoc. Dir of Development College of Design, Construction & Planning University of Florida"
"Dear Lisa and Family John was my best friend in High School (Boston Latin School). I adored him and will miss him. Besides being a gifted athlete, a great supplier of jokes and a loyal friend, John was just a GOOD MAN. He and Mary were blessed to have all of their children there in South Florida with them. We enjoyed meeting up with John and Mary in St Thomas a couple of times. They sure loved it there. John's Dad was like a 2nd father to me in high school. He was a smart, loving and no nonsense man....also a fabulous parent. My condolences to you all and to John's siblings at this difficult time. Ed Haddad and my wife Barbara "
"John, Lisa, Timmy & Martha, Thank you all for being so good to your Dad during his illness. He's in Heaven now with your wonderful Mom, and all that have gone before him. He was so proud of all his children. John, I'll miss you and thank you for being such a good brother. Love, your sister Helen"
"John was a close friend of mine at Boston Latin where I often double dated with Mary and him. Over the years we remained in touch and, in retrospect, not often enough. John and Mary will be in Grace and my prayers. Farewell dear friend. Charlie Battaglia"
"Lisa and Family. I would like to extend my sincere sympathy to all of you at what I know is a sad and mournful time. I know that you have so many wonderful memories of what a great father and grandfather he was. May those memories lift you up at this time and give you great comfort. Mr. Bennett was a neighbor for a short time in Rochester MN and my parents thought the world of your family. A very treasured friendship for sure. Please know that we are sharing in your grief at this very sad time. In sympathy and friendship, Tami Jones "
"You don?t know me....I knew John over the years through the construction industry. I never met another person like him during my 30 year career in printing. Any time i saw your dad at a networking event, he?d grab me by the hand and say, Craig....you need to meet so and so.....He was the ultimate networker. He taught me a lot about networking and he?ll in my memory forever. RIP John."
"John was a wonderful son, a great brother, and even a better father. He is off to heaven to join with his wife, Mary, his mom, 203 and brother Tom. We will miss his sense of humor and his generous spirit. Love, your brother, Charlie!"
"John was a wonderful brother. He was generous and kind, and funny! RIP dear brother ? Love always, Rosemary "