Donald R. Bennison

Donald R. Bennison, 82 of Port Charlotte, Florida passed away peacefully at home on February 3, 2013. Born on March 8, 1930 in Plainville, CT, the son of the late Richard and Faith (Strong) Bennison, he lived most of his life in Connecticut before retiring in 1998 to Florida. Donald was a graduate of Plainville High School and enlisted in the Navy after graduation. He received a degree in 1976 from Johnson and Wales University. After leaving the Navy, Donald worked for Pratt & Whitney. He went on to work as a Building Engineer for the University of Rhode Island and The Bushnell in Hartford, Connecticut. He was a member of the American Legion and the Elks Lodge. He was a bowling enthusiast and loved to dance.

Besides his wife of 57 years, Patricia (Hall) Bennison, Donald was predeceased by his parents; his brother Robert Bennison; a beloved granddaughter, Rachel (Abbruzzese) Campbell; and a beloved grandson, Allen Bennison.

He is survived by his six children: Dawn Schutzenhofer and her husband Jerry of Baltimore, MD; Donald R. Bennison, Jr. and his wife Sue of Biddeford, ME; David Bennison of Port Charlotte, FL; Debra Simpson and her husband James of Haddam Neck, CT; Daniel Bennison of Memphis, TN; and Diane Dole-Drzata of Port Charlotte, FL. He is also survived his sister Martha Rand and her husband William of Port Charlotte, FL; 13 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren, as well as many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at Calvary Baptist Church, 75 Pine Street, Englewood. In lieu of flowers a memorial donation can be made to Tidewell Hospice.

Lemon Bay Funeral Home and Cremation Services is in charge of arrangements. You may express your condolences to the family at lemonbayfh.com