Charles Bennett

Charles Bennett (Chuck) was born March 31, 1927 in Monrovia, California to William and Helen Bennett. He is preceded in death by his wife Angela, his parents, and younger brother Bob. Chuck graduated from Cathedral High School in Monrovia. Shortly after graduating he entered St Mary's College, where he began his college education and seminarian training. He transferred to the Jesuit Seminary at Mount St. Michaels in Spokane, Washington where he continued his education and also worked on a farm as part of the seminary program.
Chuck was in the seminary for 7 years. Although he was a man of deep faith, Chuck realized the priesthood was not his calling. He left and joined the air force stationed in Okinawa, Japan during the Korean War. Following discharge he attended Loyola Marymount University where he completed his education and obtained his teaching credentials. He went on to teach High School in the LA school district for 35 years. He taught Latin, English and Math.
On St Patrick's Day in 1958, Chuck was set up on a blind date where he met the love of his life, Angela Amendola. They married 6 months later and went on to have 7 children, 16 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren. There are two more on the way. Chuck and Angela were married for 45 years until Angela died in 2004. Chuck was a devoted husband and was Angela's compassionate and loving caregiver when she became ill. He was a beautiful example of a loving husband and father.
Chuck loved red wine, good food especially sweets. He loved college football with Notre Dame being his favorite team. He loved the beach and shared his love of the ocean with his children often spending hours in the water with them on family vacations. He loved watching the grandchildren's sporting events especially the away games. He loved to study the weather. He kept yearly logs of wind volumes, rain amounts and temperatures. Chuck enjoyed traveling. When on summer break from teaching he worked in his father’s travel agency business. He developed a great love for trains and traveled by train all over the US. Much to his children's dismay Chuck insisted on traveling by himself on a train to Denver when he was 91 years old.
But most of all Chuck loved being with his family. He couldn't wait for the next birthday, communion, graduation etc. always asking what's next on the calendar. Chuck lived a long and healthy life until 6 months ago. His family did everything possible to care for him and make him comfortable. His children are thankful for the caregivers who helped them through this difficult time. Most notably, Destor, who was there at the end and treated Chuck with so much compassion - many times staying up all night with him and praying with him.
The Bennett family knows how lucky they are to have had Chuck in their lives for so many years. It’s so hard to lose him, but they take comfort in knowing Chuck is no longer suffering and their beloved parents are reunited in heaven.
Chuck fought the good fight, he finished the race, he kept the faith. He will remain in our hearts forever.