John Francis Bennett

1938 - 2018

John Francis Bennett, age 80 of Fort Lauderdale, passed away peacefully surrounded by his children Friday evening November 16, 2018. John was born on January 20, 1938, in Boston, Massachusetts to John and Helen Bennett. He married his high school sweetheart Mary Bennett on September 26, 1959, after his graduation from Brown University. Mary and John were married for 53 wonderful years until her passing in 2013. John had four amazing children, his two sons John Jr and Timothy and two daughters Lisa and Martha. John was one of 8 children and is survived by his brothers Albert, William, Charles and his sisters Helen, Rosemary and Carole. His eldest brother Thomas is deceased. John started his business career in Rochester, Minnesota and moved to Fort Lauderdale in 1970 where he became President of Adobe Building Centers in 1971. He eventually started his own business, Color-Rite Building Supply in 1981 and in 1995 sold it to Rinker Building Materials. John was an ever-present optimist and always had a warm smile and a joke for everyone he met. He worked diligently until the age of 78 in the construction business. He was on the board of the Construction Association of South Florida for 32 years. In addition, he also served terms on other boards of the ABC, AGC, ASPE, and LBA. John also helped create the Construction Executives Association ( CEA). John was dedicated to his family, his wife and his faith. He enjoyed most weekends spending time with his children and his 7 grandchildren. John was a Florida Gators football fan and NBA basketball fan and liked spending time with his sons watching and attending games. Prior to his wife's passing, they enjoyed traveling to their favorite vacation spots in St. Thomas and New York City. John will forever be in the hearts of his 4 children and is now in heaven with his wife Mary and his savior Jesus Christ. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, November 27, 2018, from 5:00pm - 8:00pm at Fred Hunter Funeral Home, 718 South Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316. A Funeral Mass Celebrating his life will be held the following day on Wednesday, November 28, 2018, at 10:00am at St. Anthony Catholic Church, 901 NE 2nd Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. Condolences may be shared at www.fredhunters.com.