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Michael Alan Benanti

FUNERAL HOME

Bailey Memorial

6701 West Commercial Blvd

Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Michael Benanti Obituary

Michael Benanti passed away on Monday, March 25, 2019 at Imperial Point Hospital. He is survived by his loving family, wife Cheryl, son Chris, sister Rona, grandchildren Nicole and Natalie. Mike battled CLL (Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia) for over 15 years until it was time to be with the Lord. Mike touched so many lives; he was a Broward County teacher & boy's basketball coach for over forty years. He achieved many accomplishments as a coach. Mike won a state Championship with Boyd Anderson in 1994 and accumulated over 500 wins throughout his career. "Those two things alone, puts Mike in the top two percent of coaches in the history of Broward County". He was respected & admired by those who knew him. Our memory of Mike will live on; he was unforgettable, inspiring, & truly beloved. The outpouring of love from his friends & the Deerfield Beach community has been tremendous. In honor of Mike's wishes, there will be a private service for the immediate family. The support of his friends is greatly appreciated & is helping the family get through this difficult time.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Sun-Sentinel on Mar. 29, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for Michael Benanti

24 Entries

Tyrone Lewis

October 29, 2023

I just found out that a dear friend and softball team mate passed away. I had know Mike in so many different ways-as a coach, recreation co-worker and as a man with an amazing sense of humor and true care for the youths he coached. We were friends since 1972. The world will sorely miss him.

CRAIG FORGATSCH

March 23, 2020

Everyday I go to work and I feel sorry for myself and the pain I am going through I remember what Mike went through for years. His toughness motivates me to continue working though my problems.

Betty Ragin

April 7, 2019

My condolences to the family..Even in our deepest sadness, He's there, weeping with us, mourning with us,understanding our need to ask WHY?..And right now I'm praying that He will hold you close and let His unfailing Love comfort you heart..What a great Coach he was..keep holding on to his amazing grace..Vanessa,Linda,Angela,Jackie,Betty'74

April 6, 2019

Dear Cheryl,
I am so very sorry for your loss. I hope your beautiful memories of Mike bring you comfort and peace.

You and your family are in my prays.
Love you,
Polly

Denease Matchett

April 6, 2019

It saddens my heart to hear about Coach Benanti. I did have a chance to speak with him and his family on last year when he was a patient at Boca hospital. His family allowed me to come up to his room to see Coach and share a few memories with him. We talked and I held his hand the entire time and it was great to see him. Coach was indeed a great guy, and he will be truly missed.

mickey DePaolo

April 5, 2019

Hey Mike. Gonna miss you. You made my world bigger and better.there was never a finer person than the COACH. the laughs we had together were gold and ill never ever forget you.Watch out when you walk the dog down the street there are alligators waiting for you still.. ha ha. your buddy Mickey.

Cindie Bautista-Deery

April 4, 2019

He will be missed

Elijah Graham

April 4, 2019

My Condolences to you & your family
RIP Coach, Lastly thank you for teaching me life is bigger than Basketball.
DBSH Class of 1973
Ret SFC, U S Army

God Speed

Kevin Craig

April 3, 2019

Coach Benanti was a great man and coach and a tremendous influence in my life. Made basketball enjoyable and he related well to his players. RIP Coach Kevin Craig. Blade Deerfield Beach High Class of 73

Ruth Straits

April 1, 2019

Dear Cheryl and family, We want you to know that we share your sorrow in Mike's passing. As a lifelong teacher and coach, Mike affected the lives of thousands of youths in a very positive way...developing learning tools, knowledge skills, teamwork opportunities, and support. Mike was a great husband, father, teacher, and leader for all. He was a good man ! We send our heartfelt sympathy to you and all of your family. With all our love, Lloyd & Ruthie

Marty Dunne

March 30, 2019

Mike and I graduated from FAU -Fifty-one years ago(1967)-one of the first graduates.We both enjoyed careers in education of over forty years.He always had a great personality-so much fun to be around.He will truly be missed.

Bob & Karen Williams

March 30, 2019

We are so sorry for your loss, Mike was an incredible man who we have known for many years and will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

March 30, 2019

To the Benanti family...Mike was a wonderful and generous man. I met Mike in 1981 on my first day working for the City of Deerfield Beach. Mike helped me along as a colleague and we became friends.
May God Bless the Benanti family at this difficult time.
John Melnicoff

Isabella T

March 30, 2019

May the God of comfort and peace continue to be with family and friends to see you through the difficult times. Jeremiah 29:11

March 29, 2019

I am incredibly sorry for your loss, my condolences. May you always cherish the memories that you've had with your loved one. Remember God's promise at Jeremiah 29:11,12 this will give the family the comfort they all need during this time of grief.

Simone

March 29, 2019

Dearest Benanti Family and Friends, I am so very sorry to hear about your loss of Michael. May your treasured memories of Shela fill your hearts with love

kristina jensen

March 29, 2019

Love and prayers to your family and know your memories will forever be in your hearts. I will always laugh at the memories of driver's ed and hearing "Switch!" and wondering how he had the courage to get into a vehicle with a 15-year old driver! God bless you all and lots of love and hugs xxoo

John & Debbie Trudel

March 29, 2019

We are so sorry for your loss of a great teacher, coach, father and husband.

March 29, 2019

Mike was good man and will be truly missed. One of a kind to say the least. Just thinking about his witty comments make me laugh almost 40 years after playing for him. He is probably up in heaven trying to find someone to run the baseline in that 1-3-1 trap right now.

CRAIG FORGATSCH

March 29, 2019

Mike was raised in the image America's Greatest Generation. He gave me so much strength and insight by his actions and words. Mike never let life's hardships overcome him. He was tough as nails and mentally steadfast on his ideals and opinions, but very loyal and compassionate. Mike gives me guidance even today as I go though challenges in my own life. I guess his loss will not set in until April 6 at about 10:00am at The Cypress Bay Drivers Education Range.....I will miss him........

CRAIG FORGATSCH

March 29, 2019

Mike was schooled in the image of America's greatest generation.
He was tough as nails and had a work ethic that was never equaled.
He never gave in to the difficulties that life presented him. He took the challenges of life head on without asking for any help. I drawl strength from the memory of Mike as I go through life's challenges.
I knew Mike for ten years we talked about our lives and he gave me so much insight and guidance on that golf cart at Cypress Bay High School. It has been a pleasure to know Mike, like so many others he inspires me to be a better person. It will really hit me when I will not see him on April sixth at about 10:00am at the range.

March 29, 2019

Coach Benanti was one of a kind. He will leave a Legacy to everyone who had the honor of knowing him. And the Legacy will continue to inspire all students at DBHS. May the memories and love help comfort the family. May your heavy hearts know that what we learned from the remarkable man will help him live forever. Prayers and Blessings to the Family
Sheree Thomas
Class of 1972 DBHS

March 29, 2019

I loved playing for Coach B. He devoted his life to teaching the game of basketball to young kids in Broward County. He also had some great one liners! He will be missed - MA

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