Gerard J. Bennett

Although born in the North, Gerry lived in the South for over fifty years. He graduated from St. John's University in New York, and studied marketing and management at the NYU Graduate School of Business at the University of Texas at Austin. He was awarded an MBA degree in Marketing and Management from St. Mary's University in San Antonio.

Gerry served in the U.S. Naval Reserve at Floyd Bennett Naval Air Station (1950-1951), and upon separation from the USNR, enlisted in the U.S. Air Force where he served in the Air Intelligence Command (1951-1955). His civilian career was spent in the pharmaceutical industry, starting as a sales representative for the Upjohn Company and ending at the director level for Boots Pharmaceuticals, division of the Boots Company LTD, Nottingham, England.

Gerry was the founding president of the San Antonio Marketing Association and a former Director of the San Antonio Advertising Association.

He was a past Commander of the San Antonio Sail and Power Squadron and a long time member of Lake Canyon Yacht Club. Gerry was an enthusiastic sailor most of his life, teaching sailing and boating safety. He loved cruising off-shore in the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, and enjoyed taking his children and grandchildren out on his boat.

He is survived by his loving wife, Mary Alice; and his children: Dan Bennett and wife Colette; Jeannie Laster and husband Cary; Carolyn Cowan; Elaine Pickett and husband Steve; Amy Bastoni and husband Jim; Virginia Bennett; step-daughter Elizabeth George and husband Tom; and step-son Buzz Hancock and wife Ashley. Gerry is also survived by his grandchildren: Danny, Marissa, Grant, and Edward Bennett; Paul Laster and Madeline Biasiolli; Kelsey Cowan; Melanie, Michael, and Monica Pickett; Nicholas and Matthew Bastoni; Joey and Caroline George; and Mary Cecile and Julia Hancock; as well as four great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, Robert Bennett as well as former wife and mother of his children, Barbara Peters. His sixteen grandchildren and four great-grandchildren brought tremendous joy and overwhelming pride to his life.

Gerry had a warm sense of humor, a story for every occasion, and a great heart. He was a terrific patriarch to the Bennett family and placed them above anything else.

He will be greatly missed by all.

SERVICE

THURSDAY

FEBRUARY 2, 2012

11:00 A.M.

ALAMO HEIGHTS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

835 E. BASSE ROAD

WITH A RECEPTION TO FOLLOW

AT THE WOMAN'S CLUB

GRAVESIDE SERVICE

FRIDAY

FEBRUARY 3, 2012

9:00 A.M.

FORT SAM HOUSTON NATIONAL CEMETERY

WITH MILITARY HONORS

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association, the American Cancer Society, The Woman's Club of San Antonio, or the charity of your choice.