On March 13, 2023, John "Johnny" Charles DeBenedictis took his last breath with his stepdaughter Fielding by his side. He was eighty-five years old.
John was born on December 22, 1937, in
Redondo Beach, California, one of six children. His dad, John, had immigrated from Italy, and his mom, Maria, from Mexico. John and his brothers and sisters thrived in this unique cultural environment, and they learned to value family, tradition, and faith. Another pleasure of their household was cooking, the delicious dishes of Italy and Mexico.
After the loss of their parents, the DeBenedictis children remained close. They gathered for reunions every few years, usually in the Western part of the country, where most of the family resided. These reunions brimmed with love, great food, brisk conversations, and laughter. These gatherings were huge-counting children, grandchildren, and cousins, the DeBenedictis family is over thirty strong.
Smart and energetic, John attended the University of Southern California, and from there he became the Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Burns Aerospace Corporation. He was with the Corporation for ten years before taking an equivalent position for Keller Recaro GMBH & Company, where he remained until his retirement. These jobs required that John travel the globe-a responsibility that he embraced with gusto. He accumulated numerous artworks from countries ranging from Japan to China and to Russia. He also achieved an impressive multi-cultural knowledge that served him well with his clients and in his robust social life.
When Burns offered him an opportunity in
Winston-Salem, North Carolina, John took it, and, soon after, he met Tracy Adams, the love of his life. They fell for each other immediately and married soon after. John gained more than a wife; he also welcomed into his life Tracy's children, Fielding and Neil King. John and Tracy traveled widely themselves and threw lovely parties at their home, many of them poolside. They loved their family of friends deeply. These friendships remained a constant in their thirty plus years together.
John and his father-in-law, Tracy's father, Don Adams, developed a special friendship. They entered into a playful competition. Who could make the best Thanksgiving turkey? Who was the best dressed? Who had the coolest car? They finally realized, it was a tie. One of them had to be "Flawless" and the other "Perfection."
John became quite famous among his friends for his fabulous cooking. He was truly his parents' child, as it turned out. His specialty was veal osso bucco. He passed his passion for cooking to Tracy, who grew into a fantastic cook as well-maybe even better than John.
Perhaps because he traveled so much, John cherished his home as a sanctuary, and he worked hard to keep everything looking good, especially the landscaping. He spent many Saturdays working in the sun, with a red bandanna for a headband and his gold chains glistening. Impressed by his vigor, his family jokingly called him "The Italian Stallion."
John was indeed a "man-in-full"-high-level executive, world traveler, physically fit, comfortable in kitchens and at parties. And he loved sports cars, especially his bright red 911 Porsche.
After retirement, John worked at Oak Valley Golf Club. He had been an avid golfer for most of his life, and he relished his time managing the pro shop and talking golf with his new friends.
In these last several years John was heartbroken without the love of his life. It was a hard road. John's family was blessed to have him in their lives. He will live vividly in their memories. They take great solace in the knowledge that he and Tracy, who tragically and suddenly passed four and a half years ago, are now together again.
John is survived by his sister, Mary Borgeson of
Lake Havasu City, Arizona, and Roxie and Tom Witte of
Seattle, Washington; his stepdaughter Joy Fielding King, her husband Eric Glenn Wilson, and children, of
Winston-Salem, North Carolina; his stepson Cornelius Vanstory King III, his wife Julie Hackler King, and children, of New York, New York; and by many nephews, nieces, great nephews, and great nieces.
Please pray for the family during this time. The family will be hosting a private service at their home in honor of John's life. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the
American Stroke Association: https://www.stroke.org/en/.
Safely Home
I am home in Heaven, dear ones;
Oh, so happy and so bright!
There is perfect joy and beauty
In this everlasting light.
All the pain and grief is over,
Every restless tossing passed;
I am now at peace forever,
Safely home in Heaven at last.
Did you wonder I so calmly
Trod the valley of the shade?
Oh! But Jesus' love illuminated
Every dark and fearful glade.
And He came Himself to meet me
In that way so hard to tread;
And with Jesus' arm to lean on,
Could I have one doubt or dread?
Then you must not grieve so sorely,
For I love you dearly still;
Try to look beyond earth's shadows,
Pray to trust our Father's will.
There is work still waiting for you,
So you must not idly stand;
Do it now, while life remaineth,
You shall rest in Jesus' land.
When that work is all completed,
He will gently call you home;
Oh, the rapture of that meeting,
Oh, the joy to see you come!
To send flowers to the family of John "Johnny", please visit our floral store.