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John Benedetto Obituary

For years, John Benedetto was a staple of Land O' Lakes High football.


Following his retirement in 2008, he stepped out of the spotlight, but left a lasting legacy that touched generations who played and attended Land O' Lakes.


But the small community was saddened to learn Monday morning the longtime football coach died in his sleep Sunday night. Benedetto, Pasco County's winningest football coach, was 66.


"There was not a more caring individual I knew than John," said Tom Carter, a former assistant coach and player under Benedetto. "He was all about the kids, the players."


Benedetto spent 34 years working for Land O' Lakes, while 32 of those were as head football coach. Through that time, he sent hundreds of athletes to college, all the while amassing a 196-145 record, 13 district titles, 18 winning seasons, 17 postseason appearances and two trips to the region finals. He also ended his career in 2008 with 12 straight trips to the postseason.


This past summer, the Pasco County School Board voted to re-dedicate Land O' Lakes' football field John Benedetto Stadium. The official ceremony was held Oct. 19.


The news of Benedetto's death came just days after he celebrated his 66th birthday on Friday.


"I just walked to him Friday to wish him a happy birthday," longtime Gators boys basketball coach Dave Puhalski said. "We shared an office for 20 years … he was my mentor. … I asked him if he wanted to play golf (Monday) and he said he already played three times. … It's really hard to get through this."

After his final game in 2008 - a 23-20 loss to Daytona Beach Seabreeze in the Class 4A playoffs - he and his wife, Vanie, settled into retirement and have very little or no involvement in the program he molded and developed.


"I know he was enjoying the heck out of retirement, I know that for a fact," said longtime Gators baseball coach Calvin Baisley, an intern for Benedetto in 1979. "I have my coaching job because of him. He's been my friend for as long as I've had this job. … I honestly can't believe it right now. I'm … I'm in shock still."


For Benedetto, the real staple of Land O' Lakes football wasn't on-the-field success. It was the success of the players, on and off the field.


"There were always circumstances that came up with kids - always," Carter said. "He taught us to work with them, to help them get through whatever you need to get them through, from school to grades to football - anything.


"That is what John always wanted to do: take care of the kids."

Published by TBO.com on Apr. 23, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for John Benedetto

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59 Entries

My Deepest Sympathies to Marian, Patricia & family.. R.I.P Johnny..

May 24, 2013

MY HEARTFELT CONDOLENCES TO MARION AND FAMILY.

FRANK MARINARO

May 24, 2013

He was a great coach n mentor to me.. always kept me in line. God bless the family. He will always be remembered..

blake weeks

May 17, 2013

Our deep sympathy to the family of Johnny - our cousin - RIP - Cathy and Barbara (Palm Harbor,FL and Brooklyn, N.Y.)

May 10, 2013

integrity and fair play he passed on through his leadership of many teenage boys.Marco now can be with his younger brother. so sorry to the benedetto family.

bob dorn

May 4, 2013

I'm sad to be writing this but a smile comes on my face just thinking of all the things that brought us together through the years. From the time my Dad and I drove you home when you hurt your ankle in a Little League game in Inwood. We played football and baseball together at Lawrence Jr. And Sr. High then went on to Prep school at Florida Air Academy. Those were some of the best years of my life. I'll never forget the last time I saw you, it was 1974 in a softball tournament in Merritt Island Florida. I was walking to my car and I saw you running out to center field and I knew it was you. I think of those days often Johnny so many memories.
My prayers to the Benedetto Family.

Joe Pellegrino

April 30, 2013

R.I.P Coach...

Chris Yowell

April 28, 2013

Coach "B" I have the utmost respect for you. I grew from a small kid to a workout warrior and had a good military experience and was able to play college football at FSU with your help. I even was able to be a teacher and football coach. I'm sure many young men and women owe you a great deal for your mentoring. That's just the kind of person you were. Thanks so much for all your guidance and being a great Teacher and Coach. I will never forget and forever treasure the memories and the good ole days. Prayers for the Benedetto family He was a great man!

Mark Hardy

April 27, 2013

Look at every day as a win even if he lost a game .It was still a win !!!

mel evans

April 27, 2013

I can't think of John without smiling. We had some great times at Tampa U. I will miss him.
Russ Edge Tampa class of 69

April 27, 2013

A life well-lived is a life remembered with love. Someone who meant so much will live on in so many loving memories.
Gail Myers

Gail Myers

April 27, 2013

Our hearts are filled with sorrow for the unexpected loss of such a kind,generous,caring and thoughtful man.May you find peace in knowing that everyone he touched was blessed to have known him.R.I.P.Coach,you will truly be missed.

Chris Shirmohammad

April 27, 2013

Uncle Johnny was truly an inspiration and mentor to many. He touched many lives and enjoyed each day with a smile. He was the reason why I went to University of Tampa folllowing in his foot steps. Tampa became my home for 18 years where I am so grateful to have met my husband, start my family and enjoy time wth Uncle Johnny and his family. He will deeply be missed and this is a HUGE loss for our family! RIP Uncle Johny! We will think of you every day!
Michele, Bryan and Beck!

Michele, Bryan and Beck Williers

April 27, 2013

Our condolences to the family.

Don and Gaye Esterline

April 25, 2013

To the Benedetto Family, So sorry for your loss. I have not seen John in many years. It was very sad to hear of his passing. We went to high school together and of course growing up in the same neighborhood. He and you, his family will be in my prayers

Gloria,Rigano Silvestri

April 25, 2013

Vanie and Gio. There are no words to express our deepest sympathy. Our hearts are saddened by the loss of such a wonderful man. He was indeed an inspiration to us all. May God Bless and guide you through this difficult time. Coach B., you are loved and missed. Dianne McClendon and Family.

April 25, 2013

Our thoughts and prayers are with you Vanie, and your family, during this unimaginable time. John was a wonderful man who touched so many people's lives. Greg has always spoke so highly of him. God bless you all in this time of sorrow.

Greg and Kimberly Dew

April 25, 2013

My husband and I were saddened to hear of you passing. You coached our son Mark Kumanchik in football at Land O Lakes High. You Will be truly missed and always remembered with love. Mr. & Mrs.Dale Kumanchik

Dale&Barbara Kumanchik & Family

April 24, 2013

One of a kind.....he will always be....My Very Own.....Mr. Postman

April 24, 2013

Vanie and Family,
God bless you and comfort you during this difficult time.
Love, Linda

Linda Gonzalez

April 24, 2013

Tommy Ritondo

April 24, 2013

I am writing this to a life time friend and teammate. Although we haven't seen each other in in a very long time I have thought about u often. Johnnie was my a great part of my life since Jr. High school. We went to different public schools but when Lawrence Jr. high School came in to existence I met all new friends. It was a whole new world for me.Sports was a tremendous part of my life and that's when I met Johnnie. Football was our game !! From then on he was my receiver and I was his quarterback. Through Jr. High School, through high school, and through prep school at Florida Air Academy , Johnnie and I were a scoring and record setting duo...We knew each other so well we were unstoppable..
We played all sports together tru the years and we were like brothers.. Many people would even say we looked alike but I knew I was better looking...
I could go on and on about Johnnie because there were so many memories..
My prayers go out to his family and I will always remember my friend and teammate Johnnie Bennedeto

Tommy Ritondo

April 24, 2013

To our uncle Johnny... You were such an amazing person and someone who we looked up to. We couldn't wait for you to come and visit in the summers, and would light up whenever we heard "vincennnnzzoooo". You will always be an inspiration to us. You left a legacy and we hope one day we can have half the impact you've had on your family,friends, and students. We love you and miss you! You will be in our hearts forever

Erica and Vinny MacDougall

April 24, 2013

To Our Uncle Johnny,
We love you and will miss you forever. You will always be in our hearts. You were our inspiration and a great uncle who will be missed deeply.
We love you!!
Doreen,Frankie,FrankieIII, Michele,Jennifer and Christine.

Doreen MacDougall

April 24, 2013

You will be missed! One of the best.

James Iggy

April 24, 2013

I am so sorry to hear of Johnny's passing. I went to Junior H.S. with him and hung out with the group he hung out with. We always had so much fun. and he was one of the nicest guys I knew.Have not seen him since but he will always be remembered.. God Bless John and his family.. So sad


. God Bless his family and

April 24, 2013

April 24, 2013

Vanie, my heart breaks for you. You and your family are
in my prayers.

Diann Fields

April 24, 2013

I am so sorry to hear of Johnny's passing,. Have not seen him in years, but always remember him as as wonderful kind person./ My heart goes out to his family, God Bless all of you.

Kathy Orlando Odierna

April 24, 2013

April 24, 2013

Our hearts goes out to the Benedetto Family – John was a very special High School friend. I will remember forever the great times we spent during our Lawrence High School football days. Parties at the Dudley pool are memories that we will cherish forever. Rest in peace dear friend. Harry & Sylviann Dudley – Lawrence HS Class of 1965

Harry & Sylviann Dudley

April 24, 2013

My deepest sympathy to the Benedetto Family on Johnny's Passing... I have wonderful childhood memories of him growing up... He was one of the Best....

Barbara Tavalaro Milazzo

April 24, 2013

God Bless you Johnny B
Say Hi to Barbara for me
One of the nicest guy ever.

Linda Tavy

April 24, 2013

i went to high school with John, in fact he was my best friends boyfriend at the time one of the nicest guys youd ever meet and according to all that has been written about him he was the same all his life. Quite a testament to any man. God Bless you JohnnyB

April 24, 2013

I join with so many others who knew Coach B in offering our deepest sympathy on his passing. Although it is little consolation at this sad time, it should be of some satisfaction to know that in his passing you can celebrate the end of a very long and productive life.

The measure of a life well-lived is not in how much money one has or what possessions they have accumulated, but rather through the lives they touched. If the outpouring of sympathy on his loss is any indication, and it most certainly is, you can proudly and confidently say that his indeed was a life well-lived.

May you find peace and comfort in knowing that his loss is felt by all who knew and loved him.

Linda Oathout-Brown

April 24, 2013

My prayers are with the Benedetto family for their loss. I know we will all cherish our memories of the this great man and celebrate his life! Diane Pyla Williams Class of 78

April 24, 2013

Lawrence Pride. RIP John. https://www.facebook.com/groups/110385618993740/573791269319837/?ref=notif¬if_t=group_activity

April 24, 2013

My heart goes out to the Benedetto Family and the entire Land O' Lakes community. You were a legend and one of a kind John."We will all see each others beauty in Heaven". Rest in peace John, You will truly be missed!

Kathy Morrison-Valdes C/O 86

April 24, 2013

One of the good guys left this world this week. We will remember all he did to help kids throughout his life, the positive role model he was for so many and his unfailing love and devotion for his wife, kids and grand kids. We love you Benedetto family and pray for you as you move through this tragedy.

Robin & Ron Gibson

April 24, 2013

Joseph & I are devastated over this news. You spoke so fondly of him at the Girl's Luncheon and in reading the article on him we know why.

Keitha Abene

April 24, 2013

Sincere condolences and prayers of comfort extended to coach B's family and friends.

Donna Oleson (Fostini)

April 23, 2013

Coach Bennedetto was a wonderful assest to Land O' Lakes High. He had a lot of Kempton's to contend with. Jonh Bennedetto will be missed by all of us. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family.

April 23, 2013

There are very few men in my life who I have admired with every bone in my body. My father and Coach Benedetto are one and two on that list. I am very thankful that I got to spend about eight years with him as a player and a coach. He was a father figure for players who maybe didn't have their own. He was one to me, at an age that I didn't want to listen to my own. Football was almost secondary. One of my friends said it best: The world needs more men like Coach Benedetto.

Mike Tompkins - C/O '99

Michael Tompkins

April 23, 2013

Between 89 and 2000 I had children at LOLHS. Even though none of them were football players we attended Friday night football, home and away games. I don't ever remember anyone commenting negatively on the coaching or the behavior of the coaching staff. That says volumes about John Benedetto. He was an example of sportsmanship and a gentleman to parents and kids. Thank you, Mr. Benedetto, for coming into our lives.

Jill Orpin

April 23, 2013

MR B COACH BEST FRIENDS FOREVER

Katie Thompson

April 23, 2013

All my memories of Coach B are positive ones, not one of them is negative. From a scrawny 7th grader playing for him at Sanders Elementary, to skinny senior at LOLHS. He taught me more than just how to catch a football. He taught me how to comport myself as as a young man, although I didn't know it then.

My heart goes out to Vanie, Gio, and the family. Grace, peace, and blessing to you in this time of great loss.

Kenny Blankenship

April 23, 2013

John was the Rock of Land O' Lakes. I remember when Land O' Lakes High School opened in 70's. The Friday night football games was the place to be. You would see John on the sideline pacing up and down. I remember when my sister and my brother was painting the goal post yellow they got into a paint fight. Coach B just stood there and laughed at them and shook his head. His going to be missed by everyone. When you think of Land O' Lakes you think of John Benedetto. Our prayers and thoughts are with his family and friends. Eddie, Vicky, Terri and Carolyn Lee

Teresa Lyle (Lee)

April 23, 2013

My heart goes out to the whole Benedetto Family. As everyone has said, "He was a LEGEND in Land O' Lakes/teacher and COACH!!" I was stunned when my friend told me the horrible news. May God watch over John and his family at this difficult time. May he rest in peace & God bless his soul.
Gina Babb (Class of 84)

Gina Babb

April 23, 2013

Deeply saddened to learn of John's passing. My thoughts and prayer's go out to Vanie and their son.

Don Fiumarella

April 23, 2013

My condolences to his wife, son, family and friends. He was a really good man who will be missed and Land O' Lakes won't be the same without him.

Valerie Cowles - Toloday

April 23, 2013

I extend my deepest sympathy to the Benedetto family. John Benedetto touched many lives...he will be remembered always.

Martha Ann Winterroth

April 23, 2013

My prayers are with the family of Coach. He had so much respect from our comunity and never a negative word was spoken about him. He is a true legacy..

Timi class of 81 LO'L Strickland

April 23, 2013

We lost a great man, teacher and coach who loved kids. He taught them well and many have attained great success in life. Some of them are doctors, lawyers, teachers, coaches, business executives who all remember "Coach" with great fondness. Not many have had such an impact on the lives of others. I hope he knew just how much he was respected and loved by those who knew him and worked with him throughout the years. Rest in Peace John we will miss you. Sympathy and prayers go out to the family.

Norman and Shirley Blankenship

April 23, 2013

To our Brother,
Forever in our hearts
We love you
your sisters,
Marian & Patricia

Patricia Parise

April 23, 2013

Sorry to hear about the passing of John. Our thoughts and prayers are with the whole family.

Kim Neville and Joan Saperstein

April 23, 2013

My condolences to the entire Benedetto family. May God grant you comfort. Isaiah 40:1

Ashley

April 23, 2013

In my eyes, John Benedetto was iconic in Land O' Lakes. When I was growing up, everyone went to the football games every Friday night. There wasn't anything else to do in Land O' Lakes. Although I don't know if I ever spoke more than a few words to him, I grew up hearing stories about Benedetto and Clagett from the time Land O' Lakes High was built to present day. My two brothers played football for him (Mark Peterson 1976-1979 and Kirk Peterson 1985-1988) and my mother, Kay Peterson, worked with Coach Benedetto and Vanie for over 21 years. I was also on Vanie's cheerleading squad when she and John were first married. All the things I ever knew or heard about Coach Benedetto were positive and/or humorous. I can't remember anyone not liking him, which is quite amazing for a high school coach/teacher. What a great legacy he left in all the kids he coached. He is a true Land O' Lakes legend and he will be missed. My heart goes out to his family.

Kari (Peterson) Hepburn

April 22, 2013

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Carol Barchard

April 22, 2013

This is really a shock. I graduated from Land O' Lakes in '88 and I played under Coach Benedetto. My thoughts are with the family.

Michael Fudge

April 22, 2013

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