Michael Lee Bennett

1954 - 2025

Michael Lee Bennett
12/09/1954 - 12/14/2025
It is with profound sadness and profuse love that we announce Michael Lee Bennett has passed away after bravely battling cancer. Michael was a beloved son, brother, father, husband, uncle, cousin, brother-in-law and friend. A Christian, military veteran, and sports enthusiast, he was also a dedicated community advocate, spending decades serving the San Francisco Bay Area. Born in Helena, Arkansas, Michael moved to Toledo, Ohio at an early age with his mother, Essie Lee Thomas, and his older brother, and grew up with three cherished aunts, cousins, and countless good friends. A proud Bulldog, Michael attended the annual, legendary Scott High School reunions. Though he did not attend THE Ohio State, Michael was a lifelong, die-hard fan and supporter of the Buckeyes.
After high school, Michael worked at the "Toledo Blade" newspaper before joining the U.S. Army, stationed in Oahu. After an honorable discharge, Michael eventually moved west to work at the "SF Chronicle." Michael has called the Bay Area his home for the last 40 plus years. Michael loved Bay Area sports teams including the Giants, Warriors and 49ers; he was fortunate to attend innumerable games, taking memorable trips each year to at least one "away game" for each of his teams.
Michael's proudest role was being a father to Laci and a west coast "Dad" to Latrice. He was also a father figure to many, including the dozens of youth he coached, refereed, and mentored over the years; his younger cousins; and his many nieces and nephews who adored him. A beloved brother-in-law as well, he brought a sense of joy and competitive spirit to every family gathering.
Michael was a man of service. Not only did he serve his country in the military, but Michael served as a community advocate, community organizer, and leader in the San Francisco Bay Area for decades. He advocated for fitness and health opportunities and fought against health disparities for marginalized populations. Most recently, Michael was the Director of Health and Wellness at Dr. Davis Senior Center in the Bayview District of San Francisco. Michael treasured the Seniors he worked with, his staff and all of the community partners with whom he worked and collaborated.
Several years ago, while continuing to work full time, Michael decided to return to school to earn his college degree. After earning his AA degree from City College of San Francisco (CCSF) in 2010, Michael transferred to San Francisco State. While at SFSU, Michael was honored with many awards and scholarships, and he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in 2017 as a Recreation, Parks and Tourism major and was chosen that year to be honored and hooded as the outstanding undergraduate from SFSU's College of Health and Social Sciences.
Michael had a swag about himself and was always impeccably dressed. In addition to daily exercise workouts, Michael's favorite pastimes were listening to smooth jazz, attending live music events including shows at Yoshi's and Jazz music festivals, washing his car, watching sports, and traveling - to Oahu, Tahoe, Las Vegas, New York, and especially to Detroit and Toledo to visit with family and friends.
Preceded in death by his Mother Essie Lee Thomas, his older brother Willie Gavin and several aunts, uncles, cousins and friends, Michael is survived by his wife Stacy and daughter Laci. Just as Jazz never seems to begin or end, the beat of Michael Lee Bennett's legacy will live on in our hearts forever.
A Repass/Vigil will be held at Duggan's Serra Mortuary, 500 Westlake Avenue, Daly City, CA 94014, on Monday 12/22 at 6 PM; followed by a Funeral Mass on Tuesday 12/23 at 12 Noon, at Our Lady of Angels Church, 1721 Hillside Drive, Burlingame, CA 94010.