Schools
Gators Say Goodbye to Benedetto
Friends, family, former students and colleagues gathered May 2 to honor the memory of Land O' Lakes High School football Coach John Benedetto.
John Benedetto is gone, but friends, family and former students made it clear last night, May 2, that he's certainly not forgotten.
The Celebration of Coach Benedetto's Life held at Ukulele Brands was meant to honor the former Land O' Lakes High School head football coach and the impact he had on the community during the 30-plus years he served it. If the standing-room-only crowd at the eatery was any indication, Benedetto's impact on Land O' Lakes was huge.
"He loved everybody and they loved him," explained Al Claggett, who coached the Gators alongside Benedetto for years. "He (Benedetto) made sure they understood that."
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"He did a lot of things for a lot of people," added Doug Hutchinson, who has served as a Land O' Lakes High booster for years and co-helms the school's annual SwampFest.
More Than The Memories
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While those who gathered Thursday night came to share memories of the beloved coach who died April 21 at the age of 66, they also had a deeper purpose in mind. Some of the proceeds from the night's sale of food at Ukulele's was set aside to help fund the Benedetto Family Scholarship, which is administered through the Pasco Education Foundation. A silent auction was also staged to raise money for the scholarship.
"That's what he would have wanted," explained Kim Dixon, a 1987 Land O' Lakes High grad. Dixon helped put the night's events together to honor Benedetto.
Want to contribute to the scholarship fund?
Just mail at check to the education foundation, attention "Benedetto Family Scholarship," P.O. Box 1248 Land O' Lakes, FL 34639.
What do you remember most about Coach Benedetto? Share your stories by commenting below. We'd also love to see your photos of Gators past and present. Share them by clicking the big green-and-white button on this story!
See also:
- Coach John Benedetto Dead at 66
- Celebrate Coach John Benedetto’s Life
- 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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