The family will receive friends at Baldwin Fairchild Funeral Home, Pine Castle Chapel (5800 Hansel Avenue, Orlando, 407-855-5800) on Wednesday, September 3, from 1 – 3 PM, with a memorial service at 3 PM.
Linda Florea, staff writer for the Orlando Sentinental, read the above obituary, and sensing a strong story, called Mom to ask if Mom could provide more commentary regarding Dad for an extended piece they would run on the day of Dad's funeral. This is the piece that ran on September 3.
Edward E. Bukowski Bennett had the personality of a natural-born salesman. For more than 20 years, he worked in sales and management for Parker Hannifin Corp., a manufacturer of pneumatic and hydraulic components, and later established successful industrial distributorships of his own.
"I think he liked it in the realm of industrial sales because you're working on solutions for people and being able to solve their problem," said his wife, Evelyn Bennett. "It was just a challenge." A challenge that required a sense of humor and an optimistic outlook.
"He was always upbeat and witty -- told puns and things," his wife said. "He could catch fish -- and make the fish laugh."
Edward died unexpectedly Saturday from heart problems. He was 79.
Born and raised in Michigan, he attended Cass Technical School in Detroit but enlisted in the military in his senior year, during World War II. Edward was only 15 at the time, but the Marines didn't know that, and he persuaded an uncle to vouch for him -- much to the chagrin of his mother when she found out.
After boot camp, he was shipped overseas and, trained in communications, participated in the invasion of Saipan and was stationed in China. After his discharge from the service in 1946, he volunteered in the National Guard. When the Korean conflict escalated to war in 1950, he was called back to active duty, though he stayed stateside as an instructor. He was discharged in 1951.
Edward returned to Detroit, where he worked for the phone company and attended night school. His first date with his future wife -- a friend introduced them -- almost didn't materialize because of a dead battery in his car. Luckily for both, she had her own vehicle and picked him up instead.
After their wedding and reception in 1953, the couple and other family retired to his folks' home, where Edward entertained the guests by playing the accordion.
In the 1980s, after his years with Parker Hannifin, Edward bought a struggling industrial-hydraulics business, Orlando Hose and Fittings and moved to Florida. About 10 years later, he opened a second business, Palm Beach Hose and Fittings. His wife said he continued to work from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day until his death.
When not working, Edward enjoyed fishing and boating. While living in Michigan, he fished for salmon and perch in Lake Huron; in Florida, he enjoyed saltwater fishing. He also took fishing trips to Alaska and to the Baja Peninsula in California.
Edward was a fan of jazz and big-band music. In the past six months alone, he had attended two Tony Bennett concerts.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by sons Bradley and Gordon, both of Orlando; a daughter, Robin Coldwell of West Palm Beach; and six grandchildren.
You can make an immediate contribution below or send to:
The Bennett Family
5627 Commerce Drive
Orlando, FL 32839
From all of us, including Edward (Dad), thank you.
