John Brown III

I met John on December 27th just when Bentleys had opened. I also met Rick and Bkll knight that evening. My first words to the group were "what happened to ONriens?
I got a tour of the place. I also promised them that I would be calling a group of friends to come to Bentleys. 13 made it for dinner
That was the begining of many special moments with John. From making gumbo for the Brewsky Bowl to tailgates and Friday happy hours.
Our license plate is still on the wall. Thank you John for the great times.
Hoss and Mo Brown

We met John and Keene on a cruise in February 2023. A warm friendship was instant. They became wonderful friends and we are so glad we had the chance to spend time with them I New Jersey last year and in London this past summer. To know them is to love them. John was a very special man who will be so missed by all whose lives he touched.

I am so saddened to learn of John´s passing. I knew John for over 38 years as a colleague and friend in College Park. He was on a committee that recommended hiring me for a job with the City of College Park. I worked closely with John and other business owners to help revitalize Downtown College Park. He was the guiding force behind establishing and running the DCPMA which is still operating today. He was a fantastic liaison between the businesses and the City. When I retired almost 2 years ago, John generously hosted my retirement party at RJ Bentley´s. I will miss him.
Condolences to his family.

All the touching tributes- mirror my own extraordinary experiences with Keene and John. Two beautiful hearts! To know them - is to love them!

I worked at RJ Bentleys starting in 1979, in the kitchen, while finishing college. John was a great boss and looked after his employees like a dad. I ended up managing the Parts and Accessories Bakery for several years, too, and really loved the way John and Ric managed the business and the staff. It was a fun workplace and I have nothing but great memories about my experience there. A wonderful place made truly memorable by John Brown.

I knew John since 1983. Being an Alumnus of Md. and an avid supporter of their sports programs, John and I spent lots of time together at Bentley's. John had a unique generous spirit which he shared with everyone. His big personality touched all who knew him with happiness. He was an intelligent "Man's man" who could
give great advice, and treated everybody with respect and grace. I have been living in Florida for 7 years but right now I miss him badly. God Bless you John. My life has been enriched by knowing you. Rob Gipe .

John was a great leader and pillar to the community. I thank him for the opportunities I had with RJ Bentley´s.

I had the absolute pleasure and privilege of working at Bentley´s from 1990-1995 while I was a student at UMD. My fondest memory of John was his amazing bear hugs and his incredible laugh. He was a gentle giant whom we all adored. Every memory I have of my time at Bentley´s- John was there. I remember banging on the brass pipes above the bar while singing "knock three times on the ceiling if you love me", Motown music for Happy Hour, bartending catering events for special friends, stuffing slips of paper into the tires, tricking new staff into wrapping tires for bug night, celebrating weddings with life long friends from Bentley´s, cheering for Gary and the UMD basketball team, and having an overwhelming sense of family and community that John cultivated so graciously. He was and is forever a legend and I´m just so sorry I haven´t made my way back to see him and hear his big voice one more time. I will gladly raise a toast at Bentley´s for him. God speed JBIII. You will be missed.

John was a force of nature, and you couldn´t meet him or be near him and not get swept into his orbit. The biggest heart, smile, laugh - and voice - of anyone you knew. Generous with his time not only to UMD but many local organizations, and he made them all better. And he knew how to have a good time while doing it.

Thank you, John - and my family´s deepest condolences to yours. May his spirit live long and continue to inspire all of us.