Celebrate Coach John Benedetto’s Life

John Benedetto spent more than 30 years coaching Land O’ Lakes High School students to do their best.

Now, those students will gather to honor and remember the man who led the Gators to more victories than anyone else.

The Celebration of Coach Benedetto’s Life is set for Thursday, May 2 from 7 to 10 p.m. at Ukulele Brands, 4805 Land O’ Lakes Blvd. It includes a performance by Solar Exposure and a silent auction to benefit the Benedetto Family Scholarship Fund that’s been established through the Pasco Education Foundation.

Ukulele’s plans to donate 50 percent of the proceeds from food sales to the scholarship fund, according to the event’s Facebook page.

Benedetto, 66, spent more than 30 years as the head football coach at Land O’ Lakes High School. The Pasco County School Board decided last year to rename the school’s football stadium – formerly known as “The Swamp” – in Benedetto’s honor.

Benedetto died in his sleep April 21.

“Coach ‘JB’ was such a wonderful person, a good friend, and a tremendous mentor for the 1000's of young men that came through LOLHS during his tenure,” wrote Patch reader Eddie on a story about Benedetto’s passing. “As a personal friend, I am deeply saddened by this loss and I am left to cherish the memories of the times that I was able to be around John.”

What do you remember most about Coach Benedetto? Share your stories by commenting below.

See Also:

Coach John Benedetto Dead at 66 Share Memories of Coach Benedetto Weatherford: Coach Benedetto Made 'Lasting Impact' Beloved Coach Remembered Via Twitter Benedetto Talks About Stadium's New Name

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