Donald Bennison
1954 - 2023
SCARBOROUGH - Donald R. Bennison Jr., known to friends and family as Don, peacefully passed into eternity, with his wife by his side holding his hand on August 11,2023, at the age of 68 in Scarborough, Maine. He was born on August 23, 1954, in Saint Albans, N.Y. to Patricia (Hall) and Donald Bennison Sr.
Don was a shining example of a humble and devout servant of the Lord. Throughout his life, Don exuded a spirit of humility, always approaching others with kindness and respect. His heart overflowed with gratitude for the beauty of God's creation, which he marveled at during his travels and long walks. The written word held a special place in his heart, and he found great solace in reading and diving deep into the Scriptures through dedicated Bible study.
His thirst for knowledge led him to acquire an education at Chariho Regional High School, and later, he continued his studies at Husson College and New England Bible College.
Don fearlessly and faithfully served in the U.S. Navy from August 28, 1972, to April 11, 1976. Aboard the USS Charles P. Cecil and the Lippencott, he passionately upheld the honor and integrity of his country, earning an honorable discharge.
Throughout his career journey, Don worked diligently, weaving himself into the fabric of different companies along the way. The local newspaper, Barber Foods, Fairchild Semiconductor, Clean Pro, Benchmark and most recently Walmart all benefited from Don's unwavering commitment and unfaltering work ethic.
Don's fervent love for the Lord guided him to numerous places of worship throughout his journey of faith. At Bethany Baptist Church in Biddeford, his soul found respite and warmth for many years. Seeking spiritual growth, he also found inspiration and kinship in the vibrant community at Prayer Baptist. And in the culmination of his spiritual pilgrimage, Don found a home at First Baptist Church in Portland, where he offered his humble praises to the Lord and connected deeply with his fellow worshippers.
In the quieter moments of his life, Don delighted in collecting mementos that whispered stories of memories cherished. His assortment of coffee mugs and pens were reminders of special times and symbols of his appreciation for life's simple joys. Don's gentle soul sought nourishment from challenging his mind with word puzzles and engaging in the joy of board games with loved ones. But it was his delightful Snapchat sessions with his daughter and her friends that truly warmed his heart, cherishing each moment of connection and laughter.
Donald Richard Bennison Jr. has now ascended to his heavenly dwelling, leaving behind a legacy of love, humility, and unwavering faith. May his enduring memory inspire all who mourn his passing to embrace the humility and grace that illuminated his path and touch every life he encountered.
Don is survived by his loving wife of 21 years, Susan A. (Clark) Bennison. He will be dearly missed by his children Tracy Bennison and her fiance Donald Roberge of Biddeford, ME, Donald R. Bennison III of Waterboro, ME, and Michaela S. Bennison and her fiance Jamie Allen of Scarborough, ME. Don also leaves behind his cherished Aunt Sandy Schroeder of Sunbury, OH, Aunt Marti (Bill) Rand of Port Charlotte, FL, and Uncle Brian (Sheryl) Hall of Bristol, CT. He will be fondly remembered by his sister Dawn (Jerry) Schutzenhoffer of Port Charlotte, FL, brother David Bennison of Rialto, CA, sister Deb (Jim) Simpson of East Haddam, CT, brother Daniel Bennison of Harrah, OK, and sister Diane Dole-Drazata of East Haddam, CT. Don was a beloved brother-in-law to Robert (Candace) Clark of Venice, FL, James (Karen) Clark of Buxton, ME, Allison Belanger of Westbrook, ME, Lisa (Mark) Knight of Lyman, ME, Darrell (Kellie) Clark of Kennebunk, ME, and Kenneth Clark of Kennebunk, ME. His mother and father-in-law Dwight & Patricia (Bonafine) Clark of Auburn, Maine. The family also wishes to express gratitude to Don’s faithful caregiver, Robert Burnham of Scarborough, ME as well as to the 5th floor Bean staff at Maine Medical Center and to Hospice of Southern Maine for their compassionate care in Don’s final chapter. Don will also be deeply missed by his grandchildren Damien Douglas of Bangor, ME, Hannah Turner, of Waterboro, ME, Donald Bennison IV, Joshua Kaufman of Woodland, ME, Kayleigh Rogers of Berwick, ME, Allen Bennison, and Avery Bennison of Berwick, ME. He was a proud great-grandfather to Grayden Douglas of Bangor, ME. Don had a special bond with his cat Max and his grand kitty Abby.
Don was preceded in death by his parents Patricia and Donald Bennison Sr., and his son Allen J. Bennison, as well as his niece Rachel Campbell.
Don leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews who will always cherish his memory.
Visiting hours will be held on Thursday Aug. 24th from 5 - 7 PM at the Chad E. Poitras Cremation and Funeral Service Chapel, 498 Long Plains Road (Rt. 22) in Buxton. A funeral service will be held at the funeral home on Friday morning at 11 AM. Burial will follow at Laurel Hill Cemetery in Saco with US NAVY Honors. A reception will follow the burial at First Baptist Church in Portland.
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