Donald R. Bennison, 82, of Port Charlotte, Fla., passed away Sunday, Feb. 3, 2013, peacefully at home.

Born March 8, 1930, in Plainville, Conn., the son of Richard and Faith (nee Strong) Bennison, he lived most of his life in Connecticut, before retiring in 1998 to Florida.

Donald was a graduate of Plainville High School, and enlisted in the U.S. Navy after graduation. He received a degree in 1976 from Johnson and Wales University. After leaving the Navy, Donald worked for Pratt & Whitney. He went on to work as a Building Engineer for the University of Rhode Island and The Bushnell in Hartford, Conn. Donald was a member of the American Legion and the Elks Lodge; he was a bowling enthusiast and loved to dance.

He is survived by his six children, Dawn (Jerry) Schutzenhofer of Baltimore, Md., Donald R. (Sue) Bennison Jr. of Biddeford, Maine, David Bennison of Port Charlotte, Debra (James) Simpson of Haddam Neck, Conn., Daniel Bennison of Memphis, Tenn., and Diane Dole-Drzata of Port Charlotte; sister, Martha (William) Rand of Port Charlotte; 13 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews. Donald was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Patricia (nee Hall) Bennison; his parents; brother, Robert Bennison; beloved granddaughter, Rachel (Abbruzzese) Campbell; and beloved grandson, Allen Bennison.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 9, 2013, at Calvary Baptist Church, 75 Pine St., Englewood, Fla. In lieu of flowers, a memorial donation can be made to Tidewell Hospice. You may express your condolences to the family at www.lemonbayfh.com.

Arrangements are by Lemon Bay Funeral Home and Cremation Services.