John D. (Jack) Bennett Jr., 98, of Easton, Pa,. died peacefully on Thursday, January 29, 2026, at St. Luke’s Hospital, Anderson. Born in Easton on March 11, 1927, he was the son of John D. and Elizabeth Bennett. Jack was married to Kathleen M. Sloyer for 61 years until her death in 2020.
Jack graduated from Easton High School in 1944 where he was the class president, historian, and treasurer while playing baseball, basketball, and participating in the band. He served in the US Navy aboard the USS Orca in the Pacific from 1945-1946. In 1950, he graduated from Lafayette College where he was class president and a member of Kappa Sigma fraternity.
Jack grew up in the family hardware business and became owner and President of Bennett Hardware beginning in 1965. He was a graduate of the Architectural Hardware Institute and became a certified hardware consultant.
Jack had a lifelong commitment to giving back to his community and did so with great pride. He wasn’t just affiliated with organizations—he actively held positions in each club. He was a Rotary Club of Easton member for 75 years, serving multiple terms as President and receiving the Paul Harris Fellow award. He also had a perfect attendance record for 60 plus years. He served as president, treasurer, and finance chairman at Christ Lutheran Church in Easton. He participated in and served in leadership roles with many organizations, including a founder of the Easton Downtown Improvement Group, Executive Director of the Easton Parking Authority, President of Two Rivers Area Chamber of Commerce, co-founder of the Bushkill Stream Conservancy, Director of the Lehigh Valley Red Cross, and coach for Bethlehem youth sports organizations.
Jack enjoyed golf, the Phillies, and an occasional cigar with a glass of VO on the rocks. His greatest pleasure came from spending time with his wife and family. He and Kathleen traveled the world together but always found time to attend countless sporting events, recitals, etc for their children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. It’s an honor to all who knew him that his name will live on in the community with the annual Easton Rotary Club Jack Bennett Holiday Classic Basketball Tournament.
Survivors include sons Robert and wife Michelle of Center Valley; Daniel and wife Margaret of Palmer Township; Douglas and wife Lisa of Maineville, Ohio; and daughter Anne Bennett-Morse and husband Scott Morse of Forks Township. He leaves behind 13 grandchildren: Michael, Steven, Eric, David, Sarah, Avery, and Caroline Bennett; London, Zephrin, and Addison Morse; and Joseph, Jared, and Janelle Bidlow; seven great-grandchildren: Walker, Bristol, Paige, Colbie, Levi and Remy Bennett; and Riley DeLaigle. And his granddogs Macy and Minka.
A public visitation will be held from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Friday, February 6, 2026 in the Ashton Funeral Home, 1337 Northampton St., Easton. Burial will be private in Arndt’s Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Easton Rotary Service Foundation, https://www.eastonrotary.com/donate. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.
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Dr.Frank D’Agostino
February 1, 2026 at 9:41 pm
How fortunate Easton was to have had such a legendary figure-for 98 yrs. RIP
Bob Huffstutler
February 8, 2026 at 10:29 pm
Bennett family, my thoughts and prayers are with all of you. I met Mr. Bennett in the
late 60’s at the Eddyside Beach summer basketball league. Always had great conversations when we crossed paths. He was a friend to many. A man who gave so much of himself to the community and many organizations in the Easton area. He was proud of his family. A life well lived, may he rest in peace. God bless, Bob Huffstutler