Cecil Bennett Obituary

Cecil Alvin Bennett, 97, of Fernandina Beach passed away at home Friday, July 18, 2025.

Mr. Bennett was the youngest son of nine children born to the late Luther W. and Anna Church Bennett.

He was a lifelong resident of Nassau County except for the time he served his country during World War II. During the war he quit school early to join the Navy but was initially too young. He joined the Merchant Marines. Once he became of age, he joined the Navy and served honorably. At the end of the war he continued to serve working on the cleanup effort at Pearl Harbor.

He spent his entire working life as a shrimper. He, his son Al, grandson, Brad and two of his brothers shrimp boat captains at one time. Mr. Bennett was always excited and proud to be part of the Shrimp Festival and its predecessors from years back. He ran his boat in the Shrimp Boat Races, winning the race in 1969. He won Best Decorated Boat in 1973 and later served as Grand Marshall of the Parade.

Mr. Bennett was a member of St. Michael's Parish living much of his life adjacent to St. Michael's Academy. He loved sports but he especially loved baseball and was an avid New York Yankees fan. He was always a "doer". From taking care of his own yard and garden to helping family with their yards, he never stood still. He would always find something to do.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his wife of 67 years, Mary Catherine Bruni Bennett in 2017; his grandchildren, Brad Bennett and Deron Bennett as well as all of his siblings, Luther, Jr, Louis, Grace, Louise, Kathryn, Jean, Helen and Hubert.

He leaves behind his children, Cecil Alvin Bennett, Jr., and his wife Mary, Cecilia McCarthy and her husband, Kevin and Julia Powell and her husband, David; five grandchildren, seven great grandchildren, one great great grandchild as well as a large extended family.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday, July 22,2025 at 2:00 PM at St. Michael Catholic Church with Fr. Jose Kalukallam as celebrant.

He will be laid to rest with his wife at Bosque Bello Cemetery.

Rather than flowers, please make donations in his memory to St. Michaels Catholic Church or St. Michaels Academy.

Please share your memories and condolences at www.oxleyheard.com