Gunnar Brovall Bennett was born in East Orange, New Jersey on January 8, 1941, and died on June 7, 2022, at the age of 81 after a valiant fight against cancer. As handsome as any movie star, he was best known for his sharp mind, quick wit, and effortless charm.

He grew up in East Hampton, NY and Miami Beach, FL. He graduated from The Hill School in Pottstown, PA (Class of ‘58), attended college at the University of Miami (Class of ‘66), and earned a Master’s degree at Syracuse University (Class of ‘68).

A veteran, Gunnar served in the US Army from 1960-1963, where he was stationed in Texas and very much enjoyed his time in Panama as a Broadcast Specialist. He received his Masters from Syracuse University in 1968. He lived on the Near North side of Chicago, then, in an effort to get away from cold winters, moved to Bal Harbor, FL. Later, he spent about 15 years living in Aiken, SC. Gunnar lived the last year of his life in Guilford, CT, in order to be closer to his family.

Gunnar’s true passion was golf. He traveled the world playing the sport, and was a top ranked US senior amateur in the 1990’s. Gunnar was always happy on any golf course, but his favorite course was Gleneagles in Scotland.

Gunnar’s later years were quiet. He loved solving puzzles, cooking good food and the occasional bourbon and water. His sonorous voice was charming and comforting in one breath and highly critical in the next. He loved the best of everything. He always knew the “right” way to do things, would drop everything for a lobster roll or Dairy Queen, told real groaners for jokes, and left us all with the sage advice, “if you have to force it, you’re doing it wrong.” Gunnar loved his children and grandchildren beyond compare.

Gunnar is predeceased by his parents, Russell Conwell Bennett and Daga Sophia Brovall Bennett, and his brother James Russell Bennett.

Gunnar is survived by his three daughters, Samantha Bennett, Andrea Bennett Goetz, her husband Philip Goetz, and Laura Bennett Ray and her husband Will Ray. Gunnar is also survived by his two grandchildren, Sasha and Foster Goetz, who gave him great joy in the last years of his life. Gunnar is also survived by his two half-brothers, Russell Bennett, Jr., and Joshua Bennett, and his nephews Greg Bennett and J. Bradley Bennett.

We are deeply grateful for the exceptional care he received from the VA.

Send to someone

Share this obituary with others

https://everloved.com/life-of/gunnar-bennett/obituary/

Copy