John Michael Bennis

Bennis, John Michael, 77, retired Army Officer, Florida Corrections Officer and active church member, passed away in Tampa, Florida on February 1, 2016. He is survived by his loving wife, Josette; his son, John and his wife, Betsey and their children, Kadie and John Dalton; his son, Darrell and his wife, Silvia and their children, Melony and Caroline; his sister, Janice Stern and her husband, Mark; his sister, Carol and her husband, William. John was born in Astoria, Long Island, New York, and lived in Pennsylvania and New Jersey until he graduated from Seton Hall University in 1960. Entering the Army in 1961, he served 28 years on active duty as an officer of Infantry and Military Intelligence ultimately retiring as a Colonel. His assignments included a combat tour in the Republic of Vietnam and positions of increasing responsibility culminating as Division Chief, Counter Terrorism Branch at the National Security Agency where he was part of the White House briefing team. His served at locations in Georgia, Massachusetts, Germany, Virginia, Korea and Japan. His decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Bronze Star with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster, the Meritorious Service Medal with Silver Oak Leaf Cluster, and the Vietnam Service Medal. Upon retiring from the Army, John came to Tampa in 1990 where he began a second career as Probation Officer in the Florida Department of Corrections during which he was selected as Corrections Probation Officer of the Year. Also active in his Church, John was a Charter member of the St. Paul Council of the Knights of Columbus. Serving as Grand Knight for two years leading to a Star Council award. He also served as Membership Chairman. John’s hobbies have included basketball, tennis, gardening, fishing and fully supporting his wife and kids many endeavors and activities. He loved to entertain and his most recent hobbies were working on the computer, puzzles and collecting Santas. The family will receive friends at Blount & Curry Funeral Home in Carrollwood on Wednesday, February 3, 2016 from 6 to 8 PM. Funeral service is at St. Paul’s Catholic Church on Thursday, February 4, 2016 at 10 AM. A short reception will follow at the Parrish Center. In lieu of flowers, please donate to a cancer research organization such as Florida Cancer Specialists (http://foundation.flcancer.com). John will be placed at Bay Pines National Cemetery in the summer.