John F. Bennett Jr.

John F. Bennett, Jr., 87, of Willimantic, passed away on Tuesday, October 16, 2018. John was the loving and devoted husband of Lucille (Jane) Preston Bennett of Amarillo, Texas, for just shy of 66 years.

John was born in Windham, Connecticut, on August 26, 1931. He volunteered for the U.S. Air Force immediately at the outset of the Korean War and it was while he was stationed in Amarillo

that he met Jane. Following his military service, they chose to reside in Connecticut where he resumed his college studies, graduating from Willimantic State Teachers College (now ECSU) in 1957. He then pursued post-graduate work in education, receiving both his master’s degree and Sixth Year Diploma in professional education from The University of Connecticut.

John began his professional career as a middle school teacher at Sayles School, which he enjoyed immensely. He became principal in the early 1970’s and remained in that position until his retirement in 1990. In his time as an administrator, he was widely respected and was asked to serve on many state and national committees, including President Nixon’s National Committee for Employment of the Handicapped. In that capacity, he and Jane were invited to attend the 1972 inauguration. Also, he once received a hand-written note from President Lyndon Johnson expressing appreciation for his efforts. John was a past commander of the American Legion (Post 19), past commander of the AMVETS, a member of the Korean War Veterans Association, BPO Elks 1311 and formerly a member of the Willimantic Country Club.

John embraced his retirement by spending a great deal of time with family and traveling in the U.S. and Europe. In addition to Jane, he is survived by his children, Lance Bennett of Willimantic, Jill Bennett Sterkin and her husband, Doyle, of California, and Eric Bennett and his wife, Linda, of New York. He will be especially missed by his grandchildren, Joshua, Jack, Lillian & Preston, whom he would share stories and laugh with for hours and who put so much joy in his life.

John is also survived by his sisters and brother, Dixie, Candy, Jackie and Fred. He is predeceased by his sister, Muriel, and brother, Glen. There will be no calling hours. A graveside service will be held at 10am on Tuesday, October 23rd, at the New Willimantic Cemetery, Route 32.  

John believed strongly in the work of both St. Jude’s Hospital for Children and the Connecticut Children’s Medical Center. If you would like to, please consider a donation in his name to further the science of healing children.

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