Benjamin Bennett

Benjamin T. Bennett, 80, of Toledo, Ohio passed away on Monday, May 12, 2025 surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Lima, Ohio on February 12, 1945 to the late Bruce and Yvonne Bennett. Ben married the love of his life, Patricia Hegele, on June 5, 1971. Together they share five children.

Ben grew up in Maumee, Ohio where he graduated from Maumee High School, class of 1963. After attending Ohio Northern University where he played baseball, Ben finished his Bachelors of Education degree at the University of Toledo, or as he liked to call it, Bancroft High. Ben continued his education at BGSU where he earned his Master’s Degree in Educational Administration.

Ben began his teaching career in the Anthony Wayne School District where he taught Social Studies at both the middle and high schools. While working at AW, he spent over 20 years coaching boys basketball. After 32 years of teaching, Ben retired in 2000. Ben made many life long friends while working there, but most importantly, that’s where he met Pat, whom he affectionately called Petey.

Ben’s many hobbies & interests included: American & World history, baseball (especially the Detroit Tigers), exterior & interior house painting, Ohio State football & basketball (especially Paul Keels’ radio broadcasts), ice cream sundaes from his friend George, an ice cold Arnie, and he could never resist a good nap. He was also a proud parishioner of St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church where he spent countless hours volunteering his time both coaching youth sports and supporting the school & parish community. But his most FAVORITE hobby was spending time with and supporting his 11 grandkids, who affectionately called him Big Guy/Guy Guy, in EVERYTHING they did. Whether it was a soccer, baseball, volleyball, football, softball, or basketball game, a karate sparring class, a track, gymnastics, or cross country meet, a band or choir concert, or an academic assembly, he was always there on the sidelines, cheering them on, and sometimes watching them cheer. They were his absolute greatest joy. He was also looking forward to meeting his first great grandchild in June.

Ben was preceded in death by his parents, siblings, Toni and Chuck, his son-in-law, Jay Fleischmann, and several other extended family members. He is survived by his wife of almost 54 years, Pat; children Amy Fleischmann, Erin (Jay) Salazar, Kristen (Steve) Fox, Lindsey (Justin) Falls, Adam (Jessica) Bennett and his 11 grandchildren; Kaylee (Skyler), Avery, Jaxon, Bella, Emma, Caleb, Sawyer, Henry, Lily, Oliver & Teddy; and soon to arrive great grandson, Atlas. Surviving siblings include Mike, Marti (Don), John, Vonnie, & Julie (Jim), as well as brother-in-law Fred, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Ben’s family would like to extend our deepest gratitude to the dedicated medical staff at Promedica Toledo Hospital’s CICU, especially, Zoe, Mackenzie, & Justin, who took exceptional care of him while he was there.

Visitation will be held at Newcomer Funeral Home, Southwest Chapel (Heatherdowns location) on Friday, May 16, 2025 from 2-8pm.

Visitation will continue on Saturday, May 17, 2025 from 10:00-11:00 at St. Charles Borromeo Church, 1842 Airport Hwy, Toledo, Ohio with funeral services beginning at 11:00. Internment will follow at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Maumee.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association or the Melanoma Foundation, in Ben’s name.