With deep sorrow, we announce the passing of Past 4th District Commander John T. “Jack” Bennett, Jr. of Ocklawaha, Florida. Jack passed away on the evening of Monday, October 13, 2025, at the age of 63. He was a proud member of Belleview Post 284.
Jack is survived by his beloved wife, Lynn Bennett; two sons, Daniel and Travis; and three grandchildren, Mason, Morgan, and Molly. Service details are not yet available; updates regarding arrangements will be shared on the Department’s website as they become available.
A U.S. Air Force veteran of the Lebanon & Grenada, Persian Gulf, Panama, and Global War on Terrorism eras, Jack proudly served from 1981 to 2001, dedicating 20 years of honorable service to his country. A devoted Legionnaire, he held 25 years of continuous membership in The American Legion and 15 years of continuous membership in the Sons of The American Legion. His extensive leadership and service reflected his deep commitment to both organizations.
Within the Sons of The American Legion, Jack served as Squadron Commander (2012–2018 and 2023–2025) and District 1st Vice Commander (2024–present).
Within The American Legion, he served as Post Chaplain (2013–2017 and 2025-present), Post Vice Commander (2017–2018), and Post Commander (2018–2021). At the District level, Jack served as 4th District Vice Commander (2019-2021) and as 4th District Commander (2021-2023).
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Wreaths Across America in Jack’s memory.
Please keep Jack’s family and friends in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
****UPDATE***
A service for Past 4th District Commander Jack Bennett will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, November 8, at 13837 SE 80th Ave, Summerfield, Florida. A celebration of life will follow immediately after the service.
From the family: Please join us in celebrating the life of Jack “Gator” Bennett. The service will begin at 1:00 PM, with time to remember and celebrate until 4:00 PM. Guests are encouraged to bring a dish to share and their beverage of choice.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Wreaths Across America in Jack’s memory.
With deep sorrow, we announce the passing of Post Commander Dan Aaron, Jr. of Wabasso, Florida. Dan passed away on Monday, September 29th, 2025, at the age of 74. He was a proud and active cornerstone member of Johnny Wright American Legion Post 181. Dan is survived by his beloved wife, Shirley; his sons, Shawn Crawford, Antwan Crawford, Tavares Bullard, and Anthony Aaron; and his three daughters, Brenda Aaron, Jekevia Aaron, and Sanae Aaron.
Service details are not yet available. Updates regarding arrangements will be shared on the Department’s website as they become available.
A Vietnam War veteran, Dan served in the United States Air Force from 1972 to 1978, dedicating six years of service to his country with honor and distinction. Following his military retirement, he continued his lifelong commitment to service through 36 continuous years of devoted membership in The American Legion.
Over the years, Dan held numerous leadership roles at the Post level, including Judge Advocate, Vice Commander, and Finance Officer. He was directly engaged within the community, belonging to many other fruitful organizations also.
He leaves behind a lasting legacy of service, leadership, and dedication to his family, fellow veterans, and community.
Those wishing to extend their condolences may do so by contacting his wife at:
Shirley Aaron
4685 47th Ct
Vero Beach, FL 32967
Please keep Dan’s family and friends in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
It is with profound saddens I report the death of one of our members -David McMannen. Although only a member for a short period of time he found his way into the hearts of all that met him.
David P. McMannen, 67 of Mascotte, FL passed away from a tragic motorcycle accident Monday, September 15th at ORMC Orlando, FL surrounded by his three children.
David was born July 2, 1958, in Verdun, France. He is the son of Archibald D. McMannen and the late Patricia A. (Bowman) McMannen. He was the proud father of three children.
David was an attractions mechanic at Walt Disney World where he worked for the last 28 years. He was looking forward to retiring and being able to travel. He enjoyed riding his Harley Davidson, building cars, and gathering with friends and family.
He is survived by his three children, Trina McWilliams (Larry, Jr.) of Winter Garden, Kristin O’Hara (Seth) of Clermont, John (Bethany) McMannen of Minneola; eight grandchildren, MacKenzie (Logan), Skyler, Riley, Kendall, Molly, Carly, Abby, and Millie; one great-grandchild MacKinley. Father Archibald D. McMannen Siblings Steve “Mac” McMannen (Julie) of Winter Garden, Kaye Ward of TN and numerous nieces & nephews, extended family and friends. He was preceded in death by his mother Patricia and great-grandson TJ.
David did not want a funeral he wanted a party. The family will have a private event, and the public event will be held on October 19, 2025 at 2:00 pm at the VFW Post 2093 located at 4444 Edgewater Drive, Orlando, FL 32804.
With deep sorrow, we announce the passing of Past Department Assistant Judge Advocate Robert “Bob” B. Sussan of Saint Johns, Florida. Bob passed away on Thursday, September 25, 2025, at the age of 74. He was a proud member of Jacksonville Post 372.
Bob is survived by his beloved wife, Marilyn Sussan. Service details are not yet available; updates regarding arrangements will be shared on the Department’s website as they become available.
A U.S. Army veteran of the Vietnam War era, Bob was a dedicated Legionnaire with 22 years of continuous membership in The American Legion. His extensive leadership service included contributions to the Department of Virginia, the Department of Florida, and at the National level.
While in Virginia, Bob served as Post Commander (2007–2010), District Commander (2013–2015), Department Historian (2014–2015), and Department Membership Chair (2015–2016). After transferring to the Department of Florida in 2019, he served as Department Assistant Judge Advocate (2019–2020) and as Post Judge Advocate (2024-2025) until his passing.
At the National level, Bob served on the Americanism Council (2011–2016), the 75th Anniversary WWII Commemoration Committee (2016–2019), and the American Legion Riders Advisory Committee (2013–2019), where he was Chair from 2015 to 2019.
Please keep Marilyn and the Sussan family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Update: Saturday, October 25th, 11:00 am Service, with reception immediately following at the church.
St. Marks Lutheran Church
3967 Hendricks Ave.
Jacksonville, Florida
With profound sadness, we say goodbye to Paul J. Markonni (Lake Worth, Florida), born in Chicago, Illinois, whose vibrant spirit touched the lives of many. Paul left this world on September 17, 2025, at the age of 81, leaving a void in the lives of so many people.
Paul, with 10 years of continuous membership in The American Legion, served as the Sergeant at Arms at Rood-Williams Post 271 in Tequesta. He also volunteered as a Veteran Recovery Team Leader for the Missing in America Project. He was drafted in the 1960’s and served a tour in Vietnam around 1968, as a CID Agent working out of Saigon, and was awarded a Bronze Star recipient. He retired as a Special Agent for the United States Drug Enforcement Administration.
In the vast expanse of eternity, Paul shall find rest, cradled in the arms of everlasting peace. And as we bid Paul farewell, his loved ones carry with them the precious gift of his memory, a beacon of hope guiding them through the shadows of sorrow towards the light of a new dawn.
A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, October 1st, 2025, at 10:00 AM at the Taylor & Modeen Funeral Home (250 Center St, Jupiter, FL 33458) with military honors on Wednesday, October 1st, 2025, at 1:00 PM at the South Florida National Cemetery (6501 S State Rd 7, Lake Worth, FL 33449).
For those that wish to honor the memory of Paul, in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the following: Vietnam Veterans of West Palm Beach https://fovwpb.org; The Shih Tzu Rescue Florida https://shihtzu.rescueme.org; The American Legion Post #271, 775 NORTH US HIGHWAY 1, Tequesta, FL, 33469, or a charity of one’s choice.
With deep sorrow, we announce the passing of Past Department Finance Chair Arnold F. Makovsky of Port Charlotte, Florida. Arnold passed away on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at the age of 85. He was a proud member of Punta Gorda Post 103.
Arnold is survived by his beloved wife, Noel, and two daughters, Ann and Mona. He was preceded in death by his son, Arnold J. Makvosky.
Service details are not yet available. Updates regarding arrangements will be shared on the Department’s website as they become available.
A U.S. Army veteran of the Vietnam War era, Arnold was a dedicated Legionnaire with 34 years of continuous membership in The American Legion. His extensive leadership service included serving as Post Judge Advocate from 2021 to 2023, Post 103 Commander from 2008 to 2010, 13th District Commander from 2003 to 2004, and Southwestern Area Commander from 2004 to 2005. At the Department level, he served as Membership Chair from 2005 to 2006, on the Time & Place Committee from 2015 to 2024, and as its Vice Chair from 2019 to 2023. He also served on the Finance Committee from 2008 to 2023 and as Finance Chair from 2016 to 2019. At the National level, Arnold served on the Americanism Council from 2003 to 2018 and the Legislative Council from 2006 to 2015.
Please keep Arnold’s family and friends in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Update: A Celebration of Life honoring Past Department Finance Chair Arnold Makovsky will be held on Monday, September 29, 2025, at 11:00 AM at American Legion Post 103, 2101 Taylor Road, Punta Gorda, FL 33950.
With deep sorrow, we announce the passing of Past 6th District Commander Peter J. Gregory of Winter Park, Florida. Peter passed away on Monday, September 8, 2025, at the age of 77. He was a proud and active member of Oviedo Post 243. Peter is survived by his beloved wife, Mary; his son, Andrew Gregory; and his daughter, Eliza Mohler.
Service details are not yet available. Updates regarding arrangements will be shared on the Department’s website as they become available.
A Vietnam War veteran, Peter proudly served in the United States Navy from 1969 through 1993, dedicating 24 years of honorable service to his country. Beyond his military career, he gave selflessly to his community through his volunteer work with the Masonic Lodge, Shriners Hospital, and The American Legion.
Peter first joined The American Legion in 1976 and held 22 years of continuous membership. At the Post level, he served as Adjutant, Service Officer, Vice Commander, and Commander. At the District level, he held the positions of 6th District Vice Commander (2021–2023) and 6th District Commander (2023–2024). His leadership, commitment, and service left an enduring mark on all who had the privilege of working alongside him.
Those wishing to extend their condolences may do so through his wife at:
Mary Gregory
1041 Winter Springs Blvd.
Winter Springs, FL 32708
Please keep Peter’s family and friends in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Shriners Children’s or American Legion Oviedo Memorial Post 243.
UPDATE:
Past 6th District Commander Peter Gregory will be interred at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery, 5525 US Highway 1, Mims, Florida 32754, on Thursday, October 9, 2025, at 11:00 AM.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, October 11, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Oviedo Memorial Post 243, 491 West Broadway St, Oviedo, FL 32765.
With deep sorrow, we announce the passing of Past 2nd District Commander Ralph W. Camp, Jr. of Cape Coral, Florida. Ralph passed away on Friday, July 11, 2025, at the age of 78. He was a proud and active member of Cape Coral Post 90. Ralph is survived by his beloved wife, Barbara, his son Ralph, and three daughters: Christine, Brianna, and Heather.
Service details are not yet available. Updates regarding arrangements will be shared on the Department’s website as they become available.
A Vietnam War veteran, Ralph served in the United States Navy from 1964 through 1992, dedicating 28 years to his country with honor and distinction. Following his military retirement, he continued his lifelong commitment to service through 26 continuous years of devoted membership in The American Legion.
Over the years, Ralph held numerous leadership roles at the Post level, including Judge Advocate, Vice Commander, and Finance Officer. At the District level, he served as 2nd District Vice Commander from 2009 through 2010, and 2nd District Commander from 2010 through 2011. At the Department level, he served as Law & Order Chair from 2022 through 2023.
He leaves behind a lasting legacy of service, leadership, and dedication to his family, fellow veterans, and community.
Those wishing to extend their condolences may do so by contacting his wife at:
Barbara Camp
1302 SE 34th Terrace
Cape Coral, FL 33904
Please keep Ralph’s family and friends in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
It is with deep regret that we announce the passing of Past Department Commander Warren Post, of Lady Lake, Florida, who passed away at the age of 86 on July 12, 2025.
Warren was preceded in death by his beloved wife, DeLoris Post, who passed away in 2024, and their son, Michael Post. At this time, there are no details available regarding services. Updates will be shared via email and posted on our website as they become available.
A proud U.S. Air Force and Vietnam War veteran, Warren answered the call of duty immediately after graduating from high school in 1957. He served honorably for 20 years, retiring from the Air Force in 1977. Following his military service, he continued to serve in civilian life, working as a Controller for a corporate hotel in Atlanta, Georgia, from 1985 to 2001.
Warren was a devoted member of Fruitland Park Post 219, demonstrating 54 continuous years of service to The American Legion, having joined in 1971. His dedication and leadership were felt across several Departments—Idaho, New York, and Florida—and also at the national level.
Leadership & Service Highlights
Department of Idaho (1971–1974)
Served as Post Adjutant/Finance Officer, Post 1st Vice Commander, and Post Commander
Elected Department Sgt-at-Arms in 1974
Department of New York (1975–1986)
Elected Warren County Commander in 1980
– The county received nine membership awards, including the National Achievement Award at the 1981 Department Convention
Named Legionnaire of the Year in 1981
Served as Department Sgt-at-Arms (1981–1982)
Department of Florida (1986–2025)
Transferred to Florida in 1986 due to employment
1st Vice Commander, Lady Lake Post 347 (2001–2002)
– Achieved an all-time high in membership with 1,367 members (114%)
Post Adjutant (2002–2003 & 2010–2018)
Department Membership Chair (2003–2004)
– Led the state to an all-time high membership of 130,065 members
District 6 Commander (2004–2005)
– Won Race to the Top (Category V)
Department Vice Commander (2006–2007)
Department Commander (2007–2008)
– Together with Membership Chair PDC Al Porter, reached a record-breaking 144,078 members, the highest membership in the Department of Florida’s history
Department Finance Committee Member (2011–2016)
Department Finance Chair (2014–2016)
Department Children & Youth Fund Committee Member (2019-2022)
National Level
National Legislative Council (2007-2011 & 2015-2017)
National Security Council (2004–2008)
National Military Affairs Committee Chair (2008–2009)
Warren Post leaves behind a legacy of honor, leadership, and service. His enduring contributions to The American Legion and to his fellow veterans will be long remembered. He will be deeply missed by his Legion Family and all who had the privilege of knowing him.
The funeral for Past Department Commander Warren Post will be held on Tuesday, August 12 at 2:00 PM at Bushnell Florida National Cemetery, located at: 6202 SW 102nd Ave., Bushnell, FL.
Condolences may be sent to his stepdaughter, Dedra DiNicola, and stepson, William Dyer, c/o Post 219
P.O. Box 1
Fruitland Park, FL 34731
With deep sorrow, we share the passing of Past Southwestern Area Commander Angelo “Skip” G. Felicita, Jr. of North Port, Florida. Skip passed away on March 6, 2025, at the age of 72. He is survived by his wife, Rhonda Felicita, his son, Angelo Felicita III, and his daughters, Stacey Stanley and Lauren Strickland.
Details regarding services are not yet available. Updates on arrangements will be shared via email and on the Department’s website.
Skip was a U.S. Marine veteran who served during the Vietnam War Era and was a dedicated member of Rotonda West Post 113. Throughout his 26 years of continuous membership with The American Legion, he held numerous leadership positions, including Post Commander from 2017 to 2018, Post 1st Vice Commander from 2023 to 2024, Post Adjutant since 2020, 8th District Commander from 2019 to 2022, and Southwestern Area Commander from 2022 to 2023.
If you wish to extend your condolences, you may do so through his wife, Rhonda Felicita, at 6931 Willow Creek Cir. Apt. 105, North Port, FL 34287.
Please keep Skip’s family and friends in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Jeremy “Jerry” H. Brandt, Former Commander of Post 62, Passes Away
It is with deep regret that we share the passing of Jeremy “Jerry” H. Brandt, former Commander of Post 62 in Stuart. Jerry passed away late last night after a long illness.
At this time, no arrangements have been made, but I will provide updates as soon as details are available so they can be shared with anyone in the Department who wishes to pay their respects.
It is with deep regret that we announce the passing of Past Department Commander Phillip R. “Phil” Hearlson of Summerfield, FL, at the age of 86 on January 10, 2025. Phil is survived by his wife, Past Department President Peggy Hearlson; son, Brian; and daughter, Karen. At this time, there are no details regarding services. Updates will be shared via email and posted on our website as they become available.
Phil was a proud U.S. Marine and a Vietnam War veteran. He joined the Marines immediately after graduating high school in 1956 and served honorably for 30 years, retiring in 1986. A devoted member of Veterans Memorial Post 347, Phil demonstrated 28 continuous years of service and commitment to The American Legion.
Throughout his years of dedication, Phil held numerous leadership roles at various levels within the organization. At the Post level, he served in every capacity, most notably as Post Commander from 2001 to 2003 and again from 2012 to 2013. At the District level, Phil served as 4th District Vice Commander from 2003 to 2004 and District Commander from 2004 to 2006. His exceptional leadership was recognized during the 2004–2005 term when he was awarded a membership ring for achieving the highest renewal percentage in the District.
At the Department level, Phil’s contributions were vast. He served as Department Sgt-at-Arms from 2006 to 2007, Northern Area Commander from 2007 to 2008, Department Vice Commander from 2008 to 2009, and Department Commander from 2009 to 2010. Phil also held several committee roles, including serving on the Department Time & Place Committee from 2002 to 2007 and again from 2010 to 2015, chairing the committee from 2010 to 2014. Additionally, he served on the Department Finance Committee from 2010 to 2015 and as Department National Security Chair from 2019 to 2022.
Phil’s influence extended to the national level, where he served on the Americanism Council from 2003 to 2013 and again from 2015 to 2017. He was a member of the Legislative Council from 2011 to 2019 and the National Security Commission from 2020 to 2022.
Phil’s unwavering commitment to The American Legion, his community, and his country will be deeply missed. His legacy of service and dedication will remain an inspiration to all who knew him.
Condolences may be sent to his wife, Peggy Hearlson, at:
14050 SE 53rd Ave.
Summerfield, FL 34491
The arrangements for Past Department Commander Phil Hearlson’s funeral are as follows:
Date: Friday, February 7, 2025
Location: Hiers-Baxley Funeral Home
3975 Wedgewood Lane, The Villages, FL
Viewing: 10:00 AM
Service: 11:00 AM
Interment: Following the service at Bushnell National Cemetery
6502 SW 102nd Ave., Bushnell, FL
Following the interment, there will be a Celebration of Life held at Veterans Memorial Post 347, 699 W. Lady Lake Blvd., Lady Lake, FL.
An obituary will be available on the Hiers-Baxley website in the coming days. Please visit: Hiers-Baxley Funeral Home
It is with deep sorrow that we inform you of the passing of Past Department VA&R Chair Kelton D. Sweet, Jr., of Orlando, Florida. Kelton passed away on November 11, 2024, at the age of 90.
At this time, service information is not available. If service details are provided, they will be shared via email and on the Department’s website.
Kelton was a proud U.S. Air Force veteran who served during the Korean War Era and a devoted member of Pine Castle Post 286. Throughout his 32 years of continuous membership with the American Legion, he exemplified dedication and service.
At the Department level, Kelton served as the VA&R Chair from 2005 to 2016. His commitment extended to the National level, where he served on the Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation Committee from 2006 to 2016.
Please keep Kelton’s family and friends in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. His contributions to The American Legion and his unwavering support for veterans will not be forgotten.
With deep sorrow, we inform you of the passing of Department Historian Les M. Martin of Palmetto, Florida. Les passed away on July 30, 2024, at the age of 76. He is survived by his wife, Harriet Martin, and three sons, Alan, Brian, and Christopher. Details regarding services are not yet available. Updates on the arrangements will be shared via email and on the Department’s website.
Les was a U.S. Navy veteran who served during the Vietnam War Era and was a dedicated member of Bradenton Post 24. Over his 44 continuous years with the American Legion, he held numerous leadership positions, including Post Adjutant (1999-2000 and 2002-2003), Post Commander (2000-2002), Post Judge Advocate (since 2023), District Vice Commander (2019-2021), Department Children & Youth Chair (2019-2022), Department Sgt-at-Arms (2022-2024), and Department Historian (since the 2024 Department Convention). On a National level, Les served on the Americanism Council (2019-2022), the Children & Youth Commission (2019-2022), and the Security Council (since 2022)
Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00am on Sunday, September 15th at Post 24, 2000 75th St. W., Bradenton, FL 34209.
Please keep Les’s family and friends in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
With deep sorrow, we inform you of the passing of Past 8th District Commander Donald G. Murphy of Sarasota, Florida. Donald passed away on Thursday, May 30, 2024, at the age of 92. He was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia Murphy, and is survived by his daughter, Shawn White, and son, David Murphy.
The viewing will be held on Sunday, June 9th, from 2 pm to 4 pm at the Toale Brothers Funeral Home, 40 N. Orange Ave., Sarasota, FL. Interment will take place at Sarasota National Cemetery, 9810 State Rd., Sarasota, FL 34241, on Monday, June 10th, at 2:00 pm. A Celebration of Life will follow at the VFW Post 3233, 124 S. Tuttle Ave., Sarasota, FL 34237.
Donald, a Korean War Era Veteran, proudly served in the U.S. Air Force. He was a dedicated member of the American Legion for 37 continuous years and a member of Sarasota Post 30. He held various leadership positions throughout his membership, including Post Commander from 1996-1997, District Vice Commander from 1998-1999, and District Commander from 2001-2002.
Please keep Donald’s family and loved ones in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Joseph Alan Mitchell passed away April 12th 2024.
Celebration of life will be held at Post 242 on June 22nd 2024 at 2pm.
Joe has been a member of Post 242 since 2011, and very much enjoyed time spent there.
Robert “Bob” Andrew Verrastro, 71, of Boynton Beach, FL (and formerly of Wilton, CT and Stamford, CT), passed away on May 13, 2024. He was predeceased by his father Vito Verrastro and sister Maryann Verrastro. He is survived by his mother Rose Verrastro, sister Donna Gallo, wife Barbara Verrastro, son Alan Verrastro and his wife Suzanne and their children (Chevy, Corbin, and Cruze), son Scott Verrastro, and daughter Krista Verrastro.
Bob was a member of the Patriot Guard Riders and the Sons of American Legion as well as a parishioner of St. Vincent Ferrer Church in Delray Beach. He loved nature, hiking, walking on the beach, kayaking, spelunking, motorcycles, traveling, having adventures, lending a hand to both those he loved and those he didn’t know who were in need, and watching Leave It to Beaver morning reruns. He was a good example of “dad humor”, was the kind of guy who had many childhood friends ’til the day he died, and the kind of guy who continued to do taxes for his loved ones long after he retired from being a professional accountant.
Friends may call on Friday, May 17, 2024 from 4:00PM to 6:00PM at the Lorne & Sons Funeral Home, 745 NE 6th Avenue, Delray Beach, FL 33483. A funeral Mass and burial will be held in Connecticut.
We regret to inform you, Richard Boss, former commander of Post 64 in Okeechobee, passed away on Sunday, May 12, 2024. We do not have any further details at this time.
With deep sorrow, we inform you of the passing of Past Western Area Commander Verna Y. Joyce of Navarre, Florida. Verna passed away on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, at the age of 79. Verna was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, Jesse Edwin Joyce. She is survived by her daughter, Lisa Roberts, son James Joyce; two grandchildren, Stephanie Swisher and Samual Joyce; and three great-grandchildren, Jessamyn, Jackson, and June Swisher.
Verna will be laid to rest alongside Jesse at Arlington National Cemetery on a date to be announced. Any updates regarding arrangements will be communicated via email and posted on the Department’s website.
Verna, a Vietnam War Era Veteran, proudly served in the U.S. Army for 14 years. She also served as a dedicated member of the American Legion for 18 continuous years and was a member of Milton Post 78. She held various leadership positions throughout her membership, including Post Commander from 2009-2011, District Commander from 2012-2013, and Western Area Commander from 2013-2015. On a National level, Verna served on the Conventional Armed Forces Committee from 2013-2019.
If you wish to extend your condolences, you may do so through her daughter, Lisa Roberts, at 517 SW South Carolina Drive, Stuart, FL 34994.
Please keep Verna’s family and loved ones in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Commander 242 Phil Reynolds passed.
Burial May 25,2024 Cape Canaveral National Cemetery at 10:00 am Celebration of Life at 2:00 pm American Legion Post 242 East Colonial Dr., East Orlando
For information contact:
Dr. Telka difate
President American Legion Auxiliary 242
With deep sorrow, we announce the passing of Past 4th District Commander John T. “Jack” Bennett, Jr. of Ocklawaha, Florida. Jack passed away on the evening of Monday, October 13, 2025, at the age of 63. He was a proud member of Belleview Post 284.
With deep sorrow, we share the passing of Past Southwestern Area Commander Angelo “Skip” G. Felicita, Jr. of North Port, Florida. Skip passed away on March 6, 2025, at the age of 72. He is survived by his wife, Rhonda Felicita, his son, Angelo Felicita III, and his daughters, Stacey Stanley and Lauren Strickland.
It is with deep regret that we announce the passing of Past Department Commander Phillip R. “Phil” Hearlson of Summerfield, FL, at the age of 86 on January 10, 2025. Phil is survived by his wife, Past Department President Peggy Hearlson; son, Brian; and daughter, Karen. At this time, there are no details regarding services. Updates will be shared via email and posted on our website as they become available.
