Daniel Albert Bent passed away at his home in Honolulu at the age of 76 on December 17, 2023. He had been bedridden with Parkinson's for two and a half years. He was born May 24, 1947 in New Orleans to Edward and Alberta Fabacher Bent. He graduated from De La Salle High School where he was active in scouting and attained the rank of Eagle Scout. He attended Louisiana State University earning a degree in mechanical engineering, working some summers at Jax Brewery in the French Quarter. After graduating from LSU he worked at the U.S. Patent Office and the Office of Naval Research in Washington DC while attending Georgetown University Law Center. He earned his JD in 1974. Dan became Assistant (AUSA) and then First Assistant US Attorney (FAUSA) in New Orleans after law school, remaining in the position throughout the Carter administration. In December of 1978 he moved with his family to Honolulu to become an Organized Crime Strike Force Attorney. He was appointed U.S. Attorney for the District of Hawaii by President Reagan in 1982 and remained in the position until 1993 when he became a partner at the law firm of Carlsmith Ball. In 2000 Dan became of council with Godby Griffiths devoting most of his work to mediation and arbitration. Dan also had an impact beyond his professional responsibilities: he is the creator of the Drug Dealer Liability Act which has been passed in seventeen states. Post retirement he worked at the Mediation Center of the Pacific and volunteered for Read Aloud America. He also created READch which was an after-school read aloud program for K-12, that focused on STEM books, with the purpose of encouraging young readers to explore STEM careers. Books for this program were contributed by his former employer, the Office of Naval Research. Dan is survived by his loving wife of 24 years, Deborah Collins Bent, sister Lillie Bent Latham (Phil, dec.) of New Orleans, LA, brother George Bent (Carolyn) of Metairie, LA, cousin Dr. Don Kopf of Honolulu, HI. He is also survived by daughter Laurance Villarreal (Jesus) of Shreveport, LA and son Binnings Bent (Stephanie and their son Reddington) of Pearl City, HI, two nieces, seven nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews and many friends and colleagues all who have greatly enriched his very full life. He was predeceased by his parents and sister Claire Bent Carstens. A special thanks to Bristol Hospice and Manding and Michael for the wonderful care he received over the past two and a half years. Dan's hard work, talent and integrity were truly remarkable. He was a mentor to many. He left us too soon and will be greatly missed. Friends and family are attending 11:00 am mass on Sunday, February 4, 2024 at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church on Canal St. in New Orleans.

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Published by The Times-Picayune from Jan. 18 to Jan. 21, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for Daniel Bent

8 Entries

Myron Fuller

January 12, 2025

I first met Ben in 1981 when he was the U. S. Attorney for the District of Hawaii. He subpoenaed myself for a trial of conmen and Mafia members that had invaded Waikiki. I reunited with him 15 years later when l was transferred to Hawaii. Dan introduced me to the Rotary Club of Honolulu where Dan shined the light on what it means to be a good citizen of the community, the state and the world.
My admiration and respect for Dan is shared by everyone who knew him. His passing was way too soon, but the memories of him and his contributions toward a better world are set in stone.

Myron Fuller
FBI-Retired

Max Aronov

September 30, 2024

Sorry to hear that you're gone Dan. You will always be present in my memories of Honolulu.

E,S. "Max" Aronov

September 30, 2024

Sorry to hear that you're gone Dan. You will always be present in my memories of Honolulu.

Myron Fuller

February 2, 2024

I met Dan in 1983 when he was the United States Attorney for the District of Hawaii. He prosecuted some of the conmen and organized crime members that the FBI was chasing in NYC, where l had been stationed. When l was transferred to Honolulu, Dan was the first person l called. He introduced and sponsored me for membership in the Rotary Club of Honolulu. I admire Dan for his service, leadership and contributions to the community to make the world a better place, beginning with young kids. He was a man of honor, honesty, integrity and empathy. He left us way too soon, but his spirit will never leave us. The world needs more like Dan. Love you man.
Myron Fuller
FBI-Retired

Robert Kinberg

January 23, 2024

Dan and I had been friends since 1970 when we were both patent examiners in the same group in the U.S. Patent Office and subsequently, while we were both in night law school, we also briefly worked together as patent agents at a research center of the Office of Naval Research in the DC area. I remember Dan as being very smart with a great sense of humor who was not only a friend but also a mentor, who I looked to for advice on a variety of topics. He was also spontaneously generous. Once, during the period he was US Attorney for Hawaii, I met up with him on one of his visits to DC. In the course of him telling me a somewhat humorous story about the Russian mafia that his office was chasing down to prosecute for something or another, I mentioned to him that I was planning to take my two young kids to the White House for a tour. He offered that he was friends with a Secret Service Agent working in the White House and could arranged a private tour via the agent, which he did. The tour was arranged during a period when the President was on travel. The tour was very special as the Agent took us into the Oval Office for a short gaze, something obviously not on the usual public tour, which I will never forget. In his later years, during his struggle with Parkinson's disease, Dan would often initiate a call to me to just reminisce about old times in DC, share with me books he recently read, and of course offer valuable advice on a variety of issues. Dan was a lifelong friend who left me with many fond memories and will be sorely missed.

Bean Binnings

January 23, 2024

Cousin Dan was like a hero to me in my young childhood. In the 70's, my Dad (William "Bill" Binnings) and grandfather (Walter "Cap" Binnings) constantly spoke highly of him, and I distinctly remember being very excited every time we had a family function, and I would get to see Cousin Dan! I looked up to him as a kid, and when he moved to Hawaii, I remember two things: I was very upset about it, and I wanted to go live with Cousin Dan! I remember speaking to him "long distance" on the phone, and begging him to let me go live with him in Hawaii at about 10 years old.
In the 80's and 90's, I kept up with his life accomplishments, got to speak to him a few times, and I mentioned him and his life work to friends and family a lot.
"My cousin Dan is the U.S. Attorney for Hawaii!", I would brag.....
I never got to see him after the 70's, but somehow, he always was a childhood hero to me. I spoke with him a few times, and I would have LOVED to have gotten to know him better, and hear his stories and tell him mine. I was also very touched that he named his son Binnings...it means a lot to me.
I am very touched by his memories, and saddened by his passing.
Here's to my hero--Cousin Dan!
Love,
Christopher Bean Binnings

Deborah Barack

January 22, 2024

I remember Dan fondly from my time at Carlsmith in the late 90s. He was kind, patient, and funny. What I remember most was his willingness talk with, and teach, this very new lawyer. I was very sad to hear of his passing.

De La Salle High School Alumni Office

January 19, 2024

On behalf of the entire De La Salle community, we offer our deepest condolences during this difficult time.

Please know that your entire family is in our prayers.

Sincerely,
Paul Kelly, ´83 President

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