Donald Jack Bennett

Donald Jack Bennett, 80, died Wednesday February 20, 2013 at Ohio Valley General Hospital in McKees Rocks, PA following a brief illness. He leaves to cherish his memory his wife of 52 years, Veletta (Krebs) Bennett; his daughter Karen Benko and her husband, John, of Butler; his daughter Sherri Zimmerman of Harrisburg; his sons Darren and Craig Bennett of Pittsburgh; three grandchildren, Devon Benko, Aaron Zimmerman, and Alyson Zimmerman; his sister Connie (Bennett) Golbreski and her husband Ed; and many other close relatives and friends. Born and raised in Colver, PA, on October 25, 1932, Jack was the son of David Ellis Bennett and Leona Ruth (Treaster) Bennett. His father, Ellis, died while Jack was a boy but his mother, Ruth, lives in Kittanning and is currently 102 years old. Upon graduation from Pine Township High School in Cambria County, PA, Jack enlisted in the Navy where he served as an Aviation Mechanic for 2 years. He was stationed in Pearl Harbor, HI, and was honorably discharged at the rank of Aviation Machinist's Mate Third Class. After serving in the Navy, Jack pursued a career in retail management. He met his wife, Veletta 'Mazie' Krebs, while working as a store manager for Grants in Pittsburgh, PA. They married in 1959 and relocated to St. Charles, MO shortly thereafter. He continued his profession in St. Charles with Grants and then Target. He later returned to Pennsylvania with his family where he continued his career in retail management working for Zayre's and Ames in Wilkes Barre, Scranton, Oxford, Towanda, Butler, and, finally, Pittsburgh. Not ready for retirement, he enjoyed part time job for 6 years with the PA Liquor Control Board as a Sales Associate at several of their retail stores in the Pittsburgh area. He loved to make people laugh and, those who knew him wore a smile often. He retired in January of 2011. Jack enjoyed music and comedy. He loved caring for his plants, indoors and out. His favorite pastime was spending time with family and planning for our annual family reunions. A memorial service will be held at Saints Simon and Jude Church, 1607 Greentree Road, Scott Township, Pittsburgh, PA 15220 on Saturday, March 9, 2013 at 12:00 noon. Deacon James Mackin will officiate. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to the Ohio Valley General Hospital where the wonderful team of doctors, nurses, Nutritionists, and others caringly watched over him to the end. Donald Jack Bennett Memorial Fund Ohio Valley General Hospital Attn: Fund Development Office 25 Heckel Road, Kennedy Township McKees Rocks, PA 15136 William Slater II Funeral Service (412-563-2800), 1650 Greentree Road, Scott Twp. entrusted with arrangements. www.slaterfuneral.com