Walter J. Bennis

Walter J. Bennis, Jr., passed away peacefully on November 13, 2023 at the age of 97.

Born on January 30, 1926 in Reading, PA, Walt was the son of Walter and Mabel (Dumn) Bennis. He graduated from Central Catholic High School and immediately entered the Navy under the Officer Training Program. He was enrolled in the Engineering Program at Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, NJ and then attended Midshipmen's School. He was commissioned as an Ensign and served on the USS Helena, a newly built heavy cruiser which became the flagship for the U.S. Naval Forces in Europe.

Upon his discharge from the Navy, Walt returned to Reading where he earned an undergraduate degree from Albright College. While completing his degree, he met a bright and beautiful nursing student, Elizabeth "Betty" Nangle and they were married in 1949. Walt was then recalled to active duty in 1950 where he served in the Mediterranean and the Pacific aboard the heavy cruiser, USS Columbus. Two years later, he returned to Reading, but continued to serve his country via the Naval Reserve. He became the Commanding Officer of Naval Reserve Division 4-52 and retired after 20 years of military service as a Lt. Commander.

Walt's professional career with the Glidden Company began in Reading after leaving active duty. He held several local positions before being transferred to the Corporate Headquarters in Cleveland where he was responsible for Production Planning and Physical Distribution on a national level. After eight years, the family returned to Wyomissing when Walt was named as the Reading Plant Manager. While in this role, he was later asked to share his expertise with some of the company's foreign facilities. This assignment took him and Betty to Australia (1988) and New Zealand (1989) for extended stays. In 1990, he agreed to serve as the Manufacturing Manager for ICI Paints (Glidden's parent company) in Europe. They moved to England and Walt split his time between facilities there and in France. He retired from ICI in 1993 and then became a consultant to the Jones Blair Paint Company in Dallas, TX. He later became a member of their Board of Directors until 2012 when he "officially" retired at the age of 87.

Betty and Walt's 67 years together were a true love story. Their devotion to one another knew no bounds. They raised eight successful children and were ever present in their lives. They later traveled the world, played golf, attended shows and sporting events all while spending countless hours enjoying their 21 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. They cultivated enduring friendships and were loved by many. Walt and Betty moved to The Highlands at Wyomissing in 2006. Walt served on the Residents' Council and was the Chairman for two years. The family would like to thank the Personal Care and Skilled Nursing staff at the Highlands and the Grane Hospice staff for their care and compassion.

Walt was admired and respected by those who knew him. His life experiences, intellect and charisma drew people to him and his encounters with others always began with a warm smile and a personal greeting. He was always more interested in hearing about other's lives than talking about his own. He was a pillar who provided strength and support to those around him. Walt's commitment to family was ever present; offering kind words to build confidence, teaching life lessons and providing unconditional love and support to ease life's challenges. He lived his life by example and strived to pass along these life traits to his children.

Walt is survived by seven devoted children: James (Cindy), Nancy Hupp (David), Robert (Erin), Jeffery (Ruth), Steven (Elaine), David (Vicki), Matthew, his grandchildren, great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his loving wife, Betty, brothers: James and William; sisters: Elizabeth Heath and Mary Anderson; eldest daughter Joan Feeney Wessman; grandson Daniel Bennis and granddaughter Caroline Hupp.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, December 4, 2023 at 10:30 a.m. at St Ignatius Loyola Church, Reading PA. Friends and family may call from 9:30 until the time of service. Inurnment will be held privately at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Walt's honor to the Easterseals of Reading. The family wishes to extend their appreciation for everyone's thoughts and prayers during this time.