Birth date: Oct 3, 1957 Death date: Feb 5, 2025
Peter Delbert Bennett, age 67, passed away unexpectedly Wednesday, February 5, 2025. He was born October 3, 1957, in Muskegon to Lemuel and Hildegard (Werner) Bennett. On August 18, 1979, he married the love of his life, Patricia. Read Obituary
So sorry to hear of Pete’s passing. As a fellow school psychologist we had many conversations over the years. He had many talents and we loved talking about the research of the foundations of reading. Thinking of all of the special people in his life 💜
Pete and I were work friends and collaborators at Whitehall schools. Pete was dedicated to the success of all students, but particularly to those who had learning disabilities. He was an insightful diagnostician and always up on the latest research. He was especially good at gathering data and applying it to deliver programs for Title I, Special Education, school improvement, and general instruction. He was also a very talented musician. I remember the year that he put together a program for one of my milestone birthdays. He played guitar (learned my favorite Stevie Nicks’ song) and my son played saxophone. It was always fun to see him after he left Whitehall, as if we hadn’t missed a beat, we could catch up in a few minutes. I am so sorry Patty and family that you have lost him. He had many talents and used them to enrich the lives of others.
As the mother of Pete's son-in-law, I will always be grateful for the outstanding example Pete was as a father and husband. I know my son greatly admired him. He and Patti raised two wonderful daughters and my son was very blessed to marry Erin and join their family. Our shared granddaughters have told us of so many happy times they've had with their Opa and Oma. My husband and I were very fortunate to share a few of those happy family events with them, too.
Pete was my mentor, offering more wisdom than he would ever give himself credit for. He showed kindness, patience and a love for humanity.
He told me once, “You’ll find we have more similarities than differences. We are more alike than you may know,” when I was a scared new School Social Worker charged with working with individuals with significant disabilities. Ya know what…he was right. I still quote him when giving tours of my schools and classrooms - Pete saw humanity.
I will cherish his lessons and his friendship. He was one of the good ones.
Pete’s loss was truly a shock for me. The last two times I talked to Pete was at ‘Party in the Park’ and my sister’s funeral luncheon. I grew up with Pete, Tom, sister & his Mom with the strong accent. My brother & I hung out with Pete as teens, along with a couple other guys. We had LOTS of laughs & memories together, as carefree boys. Before I retired, he gave me some advice on accepting what life throws at us. Rest In Peace my lifelong Friend. Patty, let’s say in touch. Peace & Love, Ron & Brenda
I worked with Pete for many years at Whitehall schools. We were office mates. Pete was an incredible man who loved and cared for all students and staff. I loved his sense of humor. I have so many fond memories of the times that we shared.He was a man of so many talents, but was very humble. He left this world a much better place. Because he was in it. He was definitely doing God‘s work.He will be greatly missed, but his light will continue to shine. Sending love and prayers.
Pete was my biggest mentor and cheerleader in Whitehall when I started. He helped to hire me for my original position to start a special education program I ran for 14 of my years here. It was Pete’s research and heart for the program that provided so many students with the advocacy and education they needed. He taught me SO much about being a special education teacher but more importantly an advocate for kids!!! I was so blessed to catch up with him briefly at a retirement party last spring! Peace and love to his family!
Autumn J
