Patrick Joseph Bennett, IV
April 4, 1933 ~ August 7, 2017
Patrick Joseph Bennett IV died peacefully at home Monday, August 7, 2017. He was born to the late Patrick & Margaret Bennett in Universal, IN on April 4, 1933.
Pat spent 40 years as an attorney, much of it at his firm Bennett & Sheff in Indianapolis. He passed the bar after finishing IU law school with four children at home and working full time for the Indiana State Police, where he served as a trooper for 15 years. He lived much of his life near the water and spent a lot of time in or under it, as he was one of the first divers for the police force. Later he served on the board of the Indiana State Police. His career began in the U.S. Navy and he spent time on the USS Andromeda in Southeast Asia.
Tennis was not just sport for Pat but an obsession (followed closely by his love of ice cream). Lessons led to tournaments at Riviera Club. He moved his family to Greenwood where the first renovation at the house was to install a tennis court. Many summer parties were enjoyed there and Pat & Marie were somehow in all of the sporting events, tennis, volleyball, soccer, swimming, softball, and grilling!
An avid coach, Pat and his wife Marie started the Center Grove Lassie League along with Bruce Banta in 1973 and soon after developed the traveling team that his daughters all played on. Now, 40 years later, his great granddaughter plays with this league.
Pat is survived by his loving wife of 64.5 years 😉 Marie, Brother David (Pudge) Bennett; sister Connie Jarosak, his four children Becky (Alan), FL; Carrie Dragt (Tom); Susan; and Patrick (Patricia). Thirteen grandchildren, eight great grandchildren and many, many friends.
Memorial services, an Irish Wake, will be at the home of his daughter on September 16th from 4pm to 8pm. Contact a family member for address. The Daniel F. O’Riley Funeral Home is handling arrangements. Visit www.ORileyFuneralHome.com to share a memory or to sign the online guest registry.
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It was a privilege to travel with Mr Bennett on Indy Honor Flight #19. His smile never stopped from the time he left home until he returned home.
Pat and I were brother lawyers who both were from Clinton, In. and Clinton H.S. graduates.
When Pat and I got together after court the conversation always came back to Clinton and our friends and experiences in Clinton. Pat never forgot his family and I would learn about his children and their live. Of course Pudge’s name came up regularly another fine man whom has honored the Bennett name.
Pat was a good lawyer and a friend that every time we met was alway an enjoyable and fun experience.
Pat you will be Missed
God Bless you Pat, and your wonderful family.
Dennis Wegner
To Marie and all the members of the wonderful family Pat leaves behind:
Memories came flooding back when I saw Pat’s picture on this page! So many memories shared with the Tormas, the Sorgi’s and the Bennett’s….Once again, the window of opportunity to stay in touch with a friend is no longer available (work, grandkids, etc.). So I would like to thank the Bennetts for all the many times we partied at your beautiful home (and never brought very good pitch-in items). Pat was always happy to see us, always smiling and telling jokes. always ready to have fun and get physical on the court, in the lake, etc. And always, always so centered on his family members; he would update us on each of the kids, in detail, with so much excitement over whatever they were into. Did a more supportive dad (and mom) ever exist?
We all danced, partied and most of all, laughed and laughed and laughed. I remember Pat as an especially kind man, with an impressive history of police work and law school, blessed with quick wit and considerable intelligence. Amazing accomplishments! All this and such a devoted husband. Marie, I am so sorry for your loss; you have so many, many memories to treasure!
Bev Sorgi