Search by Name

Add a Memory

Send Flowers

Make a Donation

Share Obituary

Fred Warren Bennett

FUNERAL HOME

Robert E. Evans Funeral Home

16000 Annapolis Road

Bowie, Maryland

Fred Bennett Obituary

BENNETT
FRED WARREN BENNETT

On Sunday, July 1, 2007 of Gambrills, MD; husband of Susan A. Bennett; father of Stephanie MacKall and Melanie Waligoske. Also survived by a brother; two sisters and one granddaughter. Family will receive friends at the ROBERT E. EVANS FUNERAL HOME, Rte. 450 and Race Track Rd., Bowie, MD on Friday, July 6, 2007 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m., where a funeral service will be held on Saturday, July 7, 2007, 10 a.m. Interment Lakemont Memorial Gardens. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul's Lutheran School, Catonsville, MD, St. Peter's Lutheran Church, Ocean City, MD or Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Greenbelt, MD.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Washington Post on Jul. 6, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Fred Bennett

17 Entries

October 30, 2020

Fred went against the flow and it usually worked.

Steve Silberfarb

February 11, 2008

I just learned of the untimely passing of FWB via the Fall/Winter 2007 CUAlawyer magazine. I am deeply saddened by his loss and wish to convey my belated condolences to his family. I cannot claim to have been close to FWB. He was my evidence professor and later, if memory serves, my moot court coach. FWB was an outstanding teacher. It is because of him that I loved evidence and trial work. When I entered legal practice I replayed his many tips and they continue to influence me. The first time I argued a motion it was granted before I got 15 words out and I remembered FWB's guidance -- don't argue a granted motion, just say thank you, Your Honor, pirouette spin and leave the courtroom -- and I turned and left. Thank you, FWB, you are missed and the world is a lesser place without you.

Donna

July 13, 2007

Tommorow isnt promised is the only phrase I can think of when I heard of the loss of Fred I talked to him at least 3 times a week and saw him at least once a week he would call to check on me I was suppose to see him the friday before his death little did I know I would never hear or see him again what a tragic loss to the law community. I have to admit upon meeting him was quite a confrontational experience since my ego is just as big or maybe bigger than his that was a challenge for him for a great debate but after the smoke settled down we became close friends he will be missed. Crazy but cool you will never be forgotten....

Charlie Hunter

July 12, 2007

Dear Susan & Family
I first met Fred Warren Bennett on the tennis court at 0600, 34 years ago. We shared many years of tennis with a group of diehards known as "earlybirds." Fred was the spokesman for the group. His interrogation as to why you lost the last point to his "slice & dice" game was unmerciful. Fred's locker room banter was equally grueling. He was intent to dissect our personal and business life for the better. He helped his fellow tennis players shed many addictions including smoking & alcohol. While Fred was out to win a singles or doubles match at any cost, he was the first to be your friend. We will miss you, Fred.
God Bless
Charlie Hunter

Princess Logan

July 12, 2007

“How lucky I am to have known someone who was so hard to say goodbye to."

I can't believe he is no longer here. I still remember when we went up against Prevas and after Fred presented Dennis' case, all I could think was if I had more money I would pay him twice. I remember him telling everyone I will only talk with Princess. I'm going to miss him terribly even more so because all my faith was in him and we were going to file another appeal.

My condolences to his wife and family and those that love him.

Princess on behalf of Dennis Wise

Linda M. Estrada

July 12, 2007

To the Family and Friends of Fred W. Bennett: I wish to express my deepest condolences to all. I was very sadden to hear of his passing. I was fortunate to have Fred Bennett as a law professor and mentor when I studied at the Columbus School of Law at CUA in the 1990s. He was a wonderful teacher who had great passion for justice and an incredible legal mind. His loss is a tremendous loss not just to the legal community but to all of us.

Troy Stafford

July 11, 2007

To the family:
I am a friend of Mr. Bennett's daughter Stephanie. I know in my heart that if she was anything like her dad, then he must have been a fine man. My sincere wishes for healing and solice in your time of need.

Alicia Williams

July 10, 2007

To the Family of Fred W. Bennett

I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Bennett just a week before this unbelievable tradgedy. Upon speaking with him, I had no doubt in my mind that he was the attorney that I wanted to handle my affairs. At first, I was a little intimidated by his rough exterior, but towards the end of my meeting with him I actually made him laugh. He even told my about his grandaughter who he had so beautifully displayed in his office. He was a superb attorney and humanitarian who will be truly missed.

Deirdre Russo

July 9, 2007

I want to extend my deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Fred Bennett. I was one of his students at American University. His zeal for the law and evidence inspired me. The lessons I learned in his classroom have been critical to my development as an attorney. I feel lucky that he was my teacher and know that he will be missed.

James and Diane Green

July 7, 2007

To the family of Atty. Fred W. Bennett:

Today I received the news of Mr. Bennett's death. I couldn't believe what I was reading because it was just a few weeks ago that I had spoken with him. It only shows what the bible says at Ecclesiates 9:11, ..."time and unforeseen occurrences befalls us all." Mr. Bennett was a very kind person. I was intimidated at first meeting him. However, when I left his office I felt so very relieved and at ease. I felt that my interest were in very capable hands. From all of the news articles that I've read about Mr. Bennett and the accolades he has received, I was right. To say that Mr. Bennett will be sorely missed is an understatement. The legal world has lost a fine litigator and many present and future clients have lost a most capable, compassionate barrister. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you his family and his colleagues. Your loss is great, yet may you be comforted in knowing that Mr. Bennett left his mark with so many. We will always appreciate him.

Jean Reble

July 6, 2007

I would like to express my deepest sympathy for the family, friends and colleagues of Mr Bennett. I never met Mr. Bennett, but have the greatest respect for the work he did and the lives he helped change for the better. He was the salvation for so many lost and desperate souls. They say a man is judged by the work he did and Mr Bennett will be remembered and missed by so many who's lives he has touched.

Stephanie Hopkins

July 6, 2007

To The Family,

My heartfelt condolences are with all of you at this time. I was shocked to learn of Fred's passing. I was a courtroom deputy in Federal Court and had the pleasure of working with him during his tenure as the Federal Public Defender, and our paths crossed several times thereafter. May God keep all of you in his constant care and may the memories bring you joy and comfort.

a friend

July 6, 2007

TO THE BENNETT FAMILY: I WAS TERRIBLY SADDENED TO HEAR OF THE LOSS OF SUCH A GREAT LAWYER/ADVISOR/TEACHER/FRIEND/HUMANITARIAN LAST BUT NOT LEAST CHILD OF THE MOST HIGH GOD.I MUST SAY MR BENNETT'S THOROUGH CONFIDENCE AND STANDUP ABILITY TO FACE SOME OF THE HARDEST CASES HE HANDLED WITH TENACITY AND WITH EASE.I RECALL MY FIRST PHONE CALL TO HIM HIS AGGRESSIVENESS NEARLY RAN ME AWAY,BUT WHEN I CAME NEAR THE END OF THE CONVERSATION WE FOUND OURSELVES LAUGHING AND ME SAYING THIS IS THE ATTORNEY I WANT TO FIGHT FOR ME ANYDAY.IAM TRULY GOING TO MISS ATTORNEY FRED BENNETT AN ATTORNEY WHO BELIEVED IN THE WORDS "FIGHT AND JUSTICE" MY FERVENT PRAYERS ARE WITH THE FAMILY.TRUST IN GOD'S SUSTAINING POWER TO BRING YOU THROUGH THIS REMEMBER HEAVEN HAS NO SORROW THAT HEAVEN CANNOT HEAL

Kim Pedersen

July 6, 2007

To the Bennett family:

I took "Evidence" from Prof. Bennett in summer school in the mid-1990s at CUA law school. It was one of the most exciting law school classes I ever had. His energy and love for the rules of evidence is still a really great memory for me. His vibrant presence alone made class worth attending every week. After graduation, I was lucky enough to run into Prof. Bennett one night at an Inn of Court. We had a short but significant conversation about my career in which he encouraged me to pursue my dream of becoming a prosecutor. I always believed that it was his direct encouragement to me to pursue that goal which enabled me to take the first step down that path. The next year, I attended a lunch held by a law school in Miami which had published one of Prof. Bennett's law review articles. I was so proud to be able to share with him that I took his advice, followed my dream and became a prosecutor. Those are special and fond memories that I will always have of him.

A friend

July 6, 2007

To the Bennett Family:

Heartfelt condolences for the loss of such a unique and wonderful individual. I learned the rules of evidence from Fred at Catholic U. and was able to get to know him a bit. We stayed in touch intermittently since then, and I learned it was easy to break through the gruff exterior and find the shining star that resided within. He told me he was inspired by the Kennedys in the 1960s to do social good, and by all measures, he surpassed his mark. Perhaps nothing can heal the loss of a loved one, but maybe you can take some comfort knowing that in life he gave so much to so many, and made the difference he hoped for.

Brian Wyatt

July 6, 2007

To the Members of the Bennett Family,

I am shocked and deeply saddened by Fred's sudden death and pray that God comforts you in this time of sorrow.

I had the pleasure of taking more classes with Fred than any other professor at the Columbus School of Law. My experience was not unique, inasmuch as the courses he taught were among the most sought after in my time at Catholic University.

Whether you agreed with his judicial philosophy or not, it is impossible not to highly regard his abilities and accomplishments as a teacher and an attorney. Having read his obituary, I now know that he was similarly gifted as a husband and father.

He will be missed.

Brian P. Wyatt
Columbus School of Law, Class of 1996

Bruce Anderson

July 5, 2007

What people may not realize is the courage it took and the personal toll it exacted to defend people accused of heinous crimes. Most of us can leave our work behind, if we so choose, when we go out with friends or see neighbors. When Fred was defending an unpopular client in open court, which was quite often, he did not have that choice. As a result, he had to bear the brunt of personal "how can you defend someone like that" attacks. But bear he did and defend he did. It's not too hard to be heroic when you're surrounded by people who agree with your actions. The real heroes are people who, like Fred, are both quite skilled and who exploit their skills when it is right but socially unpopular for them to do so. Fred was a modern-day hero.

Showing 1 - 17 of 17 results