Robert “Bob” Benedini departed from us on Thursday, December 6, 2018. He is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Anne; his daughters Kristen Benedini of Eau Claire, Wisconsin and Kate Benedini of Zephyrhills, Florida; his best friend and brother in law James Stefanski of Falmouth, Maine; and his granddaughter, Mariah Grace, who knew him as “Po Po.”  He is dearly loved and will be greatly missed by his family and the many people whose lives he touched. He left his life surrounded by his family.

Bob was born April 16, 1951 in Philadelphia to Michael and Marian (Shade) Benedini.  He spent his childhood and teenage years living on the naval based in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. He was the salutatorian of the 1969 graduating class at William T. Sampson High School. Bob attended the University of South Florida, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration in 1974.  Anne and Bob met at USF and married on June 21, 1975.  Bob worked in the retail industry until 1984, when he began working at Zephyrhills High School as a career counselor.  Mr. B was actively involved in many activities at ZHS. He loved nothing better than attending school events to support his daughters and other students. He wore his orange high-top Converse All-Stars on Friday spirit days with pride.

A large part of Bob’s life was training in martial arts at the Lake House in St. Leo/San Antonio, Florida for 27 years.  He was a master instructor and had a fourth-degree black belt rank.  He was generous with his time at the Lake House, and particularly enjoyed training the younger children. 

He was a man of strong convictions and opinions, and at times had no screening when expressing those opinions.  He was a loving family man, a loyal friend, and a life-time learner.  Bob’s passion for shopping and collecting was legendary.  He was known to roam the aisles of Walmart, LL Bean, and Rural King for hours.  He had an extensive collection of ball caps and winter hats that was ever-expanding.  What his family will miss most is his warm presence that filled every room he entered and his raucous, infectious laugh.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Lake House Martial Arts School, P.O. Box 383, San Antonio, Florida, 33576.  Over the years, Bob has dedicated his own money to sponsor young students who had difficulty paying for their martial arts training. It would make him happy to know that others would be helped in his memory. 

http://www.hodgesfuneralhome.com/obituary/robert-benedini