Arden L. Bennett Jr.

Arden L. Bennett Jr.

Arden Lamont Bennett Jr.
October 24, 1945 – April 11, 2025
Lovingly known as Jr., Ardie, Daddoo, and Opa

Arden Lamont Bennett Jr. passed away on April 11, 2025, in San Diego, California, at the age of 79. Born in Baltimore, Maryland, in 1945, Arden was the fifth child of Arden Bennett, a career Army officer, and Mercedes Reluz Bennett, a native of Panama. Though born in the U.S., he spent most of his childhood in Panama, where he grew up alongside his three brothers—William, Paul, and Allen—and two sisters—Ruthie and Vena.

Arden had a childhood filled with outdoor adventures, exploring the Darién jungle through the Scouts, and spending cherished time with his beloved Abuelita, who lived with the family and played a special role in his upbringing. He had a deep connection to his Panamanian roots—a bond he treasured throughout his life. During those early years, he also developed a lifelong passion for amateur radio, proudly using his unique Panama Canal Zone call sign, KZ5AT. His HAM radio hobby brought him great joy and many dear friends, especially in retirement.

Following in his father’s footsteps, Arden served honorably in the U.S. Army for three years, reaching the rank of Specialist Five in the Signal Corps as a Cryptologic Equipment Technician. His time in the military instilled in him a strong sense of service and patriotism that he carried into his personal and professional life.

Arden was an accomplished learner, earning degrees from Cal State University – Los Angeles and the University of Heidelberg in Germany, followed by an MBA from Southern Methodist University and a Master of International Management from the Thunderbird School of Global Management. He was also a fluent trilingual speaker of Spanish, German, and English.

While studying in Heidelberg, Arden met the love of his life, Marsha—a tall redhead who captured his heart. They married in 1974 and built a beautiful life together, raising five children: Krista, Eric (Jessica), Chandra (Cory), Monica (Jeff), and Kurt. Arden was a devoted father and took immense pride in his children’s accomplishments.

Professionally, Arden enjoyed a long and accomplished career as a healthcare executive, holding senior leadership roles in hospital administration and skilled nursing services. One of his career highlights came in 2009, when he served as the chief executive of a hospital in San José, Costa Rica—fulfilling his dream of working internationally while using his business expertise and fluency in Spanish. It was a deeply rewarding time for both him and Marsha to live abroad together for the first time since their university years.

Arden was full of life and had a magnetic presence that filled any room. He was never one to shy away from a chat, a story, or a perfectly delivered dad joke. He embraced faith throughout his life and converted to Catholicism in 2017, finding comfort and strength in his beliefs.

He is survived by his loving wife, Marsha; his five children; and seven grandchildren: Landon, Anneliese, Colin, Adeline, Connor, Weston, and Clayton. He is also survived by his siblings Ruth, Vena, and Allen. He was preceded in death by his parents, Arden Sr. and Mercedes; his stepmother, Evelyn Bennett; and his brothers, William and Paul.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to:
American Diabetes Association
Wounded Warrior Project
Saint Margaret Parish
San Diego Humane Society, Oceanside Campus