John Roland Bennett, Jr.

John Roland Bennett, Jr, aged 79, passed away peacefully on April 8th. He was the oldest of John Roland Sr and Agnes Louise (nee Cusic) Bennett’s eight children, and he spent his early years in St Mary’s County, where he attended school, helped with chores at the family’s tobacco farm, and developed an interest in cross country and track. In 1964, he established a long standing State record for the mile in track.

John was educated at St. Mary’s College of Maryland, Bowie State University, and Towson State University. After completing a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology, he worked for the Maryland Department of Rehabilitation Services and later became Director of the Southern Maryland Community Network, a Calvert County non-profit agency dedicated to serve the needs of individuals with mental illness. Under his leadership, the Network provided a plethora of support services to many consumers and their families.

Throughout his life, John was an avid reader and a dedicated runner and outdoorsman. After retiring in 2016, he pursued his passions for golf, running, and deer hunting. He and wife Elsa also traveled throughout the U.S. and abroad. He particularly enjoyed destinations such as the National Parks, the tropical forests of Central America, and the Swiss Alps.

John is survived by his wife Elsa, sons Timothy (Bobby Moss) and Daniel (Leah), beloved granddaughters Leanna O’Connor (Wesley), Emily, Alicia, and Hope, and stepdaughter Sarah Gilmore (Adam McAleavy). Also surviving him are his siblings Joyce, Charles (Vicky), Anne Mueller (Teddy) James (Deacon MacCubbin), Paul, Kenneth (Kelly) and Wayne (Annette), and many nephews and nieces, as well as many close and dear friends.