John Aloysius Bennan

John Aloysius Bennan, M.D., 88, a true gentleman, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on March 2, 2026.

John was born on February 5, 1938, in Chicago, Illinois, to Elizabeth Gorman Bennan and James McAllister Bennan. He was raised in River Forest, Illinois, and attended Fenwick High School, the University of Notre Dame (Class of 1960), and Northwestern University Medical School (1964). He served in the United States Air Force from 1965–1966. During these early years, he married the love of his life, Patricia (Patti) Patterson, with whom he shared 65 years of marriage.

He practiced as an orthopedic surgeon at Shriners Hospital for Children and in the Chicago area before moving to Prescott, Arizona, in 1976. There, he continued his practice at Yavapai Regional Medical Center until his retirement in 1999.

After retiring, he realized his dream, inspired by his 98% Irish heritage, of living part of each year in Ireland-a place and a people that held his heart until his final breath.

He devoted his life to human connection-touching others through the practice of medicine, through friendship, through genuine kindness to strangers, through his commitment to the community, and through countless quiet acts of generosity.

His wonderful wit and sense of humor left a lasting imprint on the hearts of all who crossed his path. He had the rare ability to make people feel truly seen-an instinct that felt like the gift of an artist.

We will always remember with each passing when asked "Hello, how are you?" he would answer with a smile, "Never better."

He always led with his heart-loyal, sentimental, and deeply loving-and he will be dearly missed.

He is survived by his wife, Patti; his son Michael (Kelly); his daughter Elizabeth (Lincoln); and his grandchildren Jack, Michael, Claire, Caroline, and Blake. He was preceded in death by his son, John Jr., who passed away on February 20, 2025.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in John's memory to Yavapai Exceptional Industries (YEI) or to Yavapai College Nursing Scholarships.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, April 10, at Sacred Heart Church in Prescott.