John R. Bennett

John Robert Bennett age 59 passed away in his sleep early in the morning on Wednesday, June 9, 2021 in Cleveland OH after a yearlong battle with cancer. He was born November 24, 1961 to James and Jacquelyn Bennett of Ottawa Lake, MI. He attended Ladyfield Elementary and graduated from St. John’s Jesuit, Toledo OH in 1980. John grew up at his family’s home at Bennett’s Orchard in Ottawa Lake, MI owned by his grandparents. From an early age you could find him working around the orchard, at his grandparent’s grocery store in downtown Toledo, on the water at Devil’s Lake or working for his father’s company, Toledo Caisson Corp. John’s career would see him involved in various aspects of the construction industry and moving to Sandusky, Port Clinton, Shaker Heights and even the country of Panama. Cooking was always a passion of John’s and he always dreamed of owning his own restaurant. In the early 2000’s he left the construction industry behind to follow his dream to run the Second Street Diner in Port Clinton, OH. He poured his heart and soul into this diner and catering around Ottawa County. When he passed away he had returned to construction and was working for George Gradel Company, Toledo. John’s family would like to express our deepest thanks and gratitude to John Gradel Sr. and the entire Geo Gradel Co. family. John had a quick wit and a matter of fact way of speaking that never found him speechless on anything. He had a huge heart that was sometimes hidden by his large personality, but those who knew him best knew the gentle giant that he truly was, especially his grandchildren whom he loved. John had been active in the Playmakers Civic Theater in Port Clinton as an actor and volunteer for several years. He was an active member of the Knights of Columbus, Council 1750 and a 4th Degree member of Assembly 805 and instrumental for years helping to organize the annual Perch, Peach, Pierogi and Polka Festival in Port Clinton. John was also committed to donating blood, in addition to helping make soup and serve other donors at blood drives at St. Dominic’s in Shaker Heights. John is survived by his wife of nearly 22 years, Roben Bennett who stood devoutly by his side as he bravely fought cancer. In addition to his wife Roben, he is survived by his parents, James and Jacquelyn Bennett, of Ottawa Lake; children Father Joshua Bennett, Jonathan (Abby) Bennett, Amanda (Kent) Cribbs, Sarah Bennett, Joseph Bennett and step-son Allen (Kristen) Shepherd; grand-children Micah Bennett, Macy Shepherd, Sawyer Cribbs, Wyatt Shepherd, Alice Bennett, Dylan Shepherd, and Max Cribbs; sisters, Jane (Glen) Berry, Janis (Howard) Miller, Jennifer (Jake) Gross; and brothers Jim (Lisa) Bennett and Jerry (Jessica) Bennett; and many nieces and nephews. John was preceded in death by his grandparents Henry and Bernice Schiffer, Gerald and Margaret Bennett; and a sister Jill Morris and two still born baby brothers. John will be remembered with a visitation at Walker Funeral Home, 5155 W. Sylvania Avenue, Toledo, OH, on Sunday June 13 from 3-6pm with a prayer service at 5:45pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, 4605 St. Anthony Road, Temperance, MI on Monday, June 14 at 10am with Father Joshua Bennett presiding. Burial will follow at Toledo Memorial Park, Sylvania OH. Memorial contributions may be made in John’s memory to PANCAN.org, to Cleveland Congenital Heart Walk or by donating blood through the American Red Cross.