John Mario Benassi

BENASSI, John Mario Beloved husband, father, brother, and son passed away suddenly on Saturday August 2, 2008. Born September 21, 1948 and raised in the village of Roccapella, Italy his family immigrated to Illinois in 1959. After establishing his career in Los Angeles, John and his family moved to Rancho Santa Fe in 1993. John practiced emerging company counseling and intellectual property litigation for the past 31 years. He earned a well-deserved reputation as a go-to IP litigator, representing clients in both State and Federal trials and appeals courts in technologies ranging from internet commerce to semiconductors, to medical devices and biotechnology. He loved the excitement of developing new businesses and was revered as a mentor by many. He attended the University of Illinois where he earned a B.S. in Engineering in 1971 and was awarded his J.D. cum laude from George Washington University School of Law in 1974. He was named to The Best Lawyers in America and to The Guide to the World's Leading Patent and Trademark Law Experts. John loved his family above all. Whether watching his sons' sports, spending time with Marian and the boys at home, or savoring the joys of their garden, he made an indelible mark in their hearts and their lives. John was an expert in various forms of martial arts. He loved to bike, windsurf, and enjoyed all sports with his wife and sons. Proud to be an American, John was also immensely proud of his Italian heritage and brought his family back to his childhood village every summer. The Benassis modeled a commitment to philanthropy and volunteering in their community in so many ways. John is survived by his devoted and loving wife of 20 years, Marian Roach Benassi as well as his adoring sons Christopher (17) and Maximilian (16), his parents Louis and Josephine Benassi, his brothers Gregory Benassi and Anthony Benassi, as well as many loving nieces, nephews, family, and friends. John shared with all, his love of life and his enthusiasm for learning. Viewing will be Thursday, August 7th at El Camino Mortuary, 340 Melrose Avenue, Encinitas, CA. Hours: 5-7 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be held at The Church of the Nativity, 6309 El Apajo Road, Rancho Santa Fe, CA on Friday, August 8th at 10:00 a.m. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, that donations be made to The John Benassi Memorial Scholarship Fund (P.O.Box 2016, Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067 or to Kids Korps USA (at 65 Santa Helena, Suite 130-A, Solana Beach, CA 92075).