Robert Bennett

BENNETT

Robert G.



Robert "Bob" G. Bennett, age 76, passed away peacefully at the Cleveland Clinic on May 8, 2013, surrounded by his loving family. Bob was born February 28, 1937, to the late Lloyd and Mary (Cadigan) Bennett in Bronx, New York. His childhood and young adult life were spent in Coral Gables, FL. He attended the Coral Gables Senior High School where he was president of the Crescent Club and Secretary of the Student Council Cabinet. Bob continued his education at the University of Miami, taking only 3 years to earn this Bachelors of Business Administration degree, majoring in Accounting with minors in both Psychology and Finance. He went on to get his Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from the University of Miami's Law School while completing his CPA requirements. Bob's early career took him to the firms of Haskins and Sells, William R. Ellis CPA, and Cauley and Martin Insurance where he honed his skills as CPA, Insurance Specialist, and Controller. Upon passing the Law Bar exam, he was hired by South East Florida's largest law firm, Blackwell, Walker, and Gray, where he specialized in corporate tax, foreign tax, probate, and bankruptcy law.

A two year leave of absence from his law practice to grow a new business opportunity, Burger King restaurants, became Bob's lifelong passion and career. Over the course of the next 46 years, his company, Bennett Management Corporation, grew to include restaurants in five states. There are currently 26 restaurants in the tri-state area. At the heart of the company was the relationship he had with all those who worked with him to make the business such a success.

The recent purchase of the Tony Packo restaurants made evident Bob's commitment to the Toledo Area and its history.

He was affiliated with many academic and social organizations such as Phi Delta Theta Fraternity and Delta Theta Phi Fraternity, the Florida Bar Association, and the American Bar Association. He was a member of the Toledo Yacht Club, Inverness Club, the Fort Lauderdale Country Club and Lauderdale Yacht Club.

He served on the Board of Trustees for Central Catholic High School, is past Director of the Toledo Boy Scouts of America, Chairman of the National Franchisee Association's Committee for Franchisee/Franchisor Relations and served on many Burger King's Corporate Advisory Boards. He had numerous political, charitable and business associations in the Toledo Area.

Bob was a Team 100 Member and most recently a Regent in the Republican National Committee. He loved our country and was passionate about the political process.

Bob was recognized many times for community and business excellence. Bennett Management Corporation was awarded the Central Catholic Fidelitas Award and a science room at the school bears Bob's name. He was a finalist in both the Ernst and Young "Entrepreneur of the Year" Award and the Toledo Associated Press Community Leader Award. His picture hangs in the Toledo Seagate Center for his support of the Toledo Athletic Association Hall of Fame. He was recognized numerous times over the span of his career for excellence in all aspects of the Burger King Business.

However, with all of Bob's accomplishments in business, he was most proud of his family and blessed to have such wonderful friends. He strived to be the best at everything he did...husband, father, loyal friend and community leader. He always said, "a man is not measured by the wealth in materials he possesses at passing but by the hearts he has touched on his journey."

His word was his bond, his love of family undeniable, and his devotion to his wife and faith forever. He considered those he worked with his extended family and was proud to be a Toledoan and even more, an American. He loved to laugh and a bring a smile to your face.

Bob touched the hearts of those he met and by example of the way he led his life, made us want to be the best we could be. We loved him dearly and knew he loved us just as much. We will miss him every day and will honor him by following in his footsteps, touching hearts along our journey.

Bob joins his parents, Lloyd and Mary (Cadigan) Bennett, and brothers, Jim and Lloyd Bennett, Jr. He leaves behind his loving wife, Emily Bennett; brother, Jack Bennett; sister, Jane Bennett Duval; children, Teri B. (William) Giacci, Keith A. Bennett, Laura L. Swafford, Robert B. Bennett, and their mother, Cecile M. Bennett; grandchildren, Billy J. Giacci, Jr., Bailey M. Giacci (fiancé Brian Ulrich), Jacob B. Swafford, J. Bryce Swafford; in-laws, Jane Haley, Susan (John) Moran, Rob (Chantelle) Eggleton, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be from 2:00-8:00 p.m. on Monday, May 13, 2013, at the Walker Funeral Home, 5155 Sylvania Ave. (west of Corey Rd.). The Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, May 14, 2013, at the Historic Church of St. Patrick, 130 Avondale Toledo, OH with interment following at Toledo Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Boy Scouts of America, Erie Shores Council, P.O. Box 8728 Toledo, OH 43623; the Salvation Army, 620 N. Erie St. Toledo, OH 43604 or the Cleveland Clinic Foundation, P.O. Box 93157 Cleveland, OH 44193. Online condolences may be shared at

walkerfuneralhomes.com