The Diocese is deeply saddened to share the death of the Rev. Harry Benter on March 1, 2025. He was 89 years old.
He received a Bachelor of Science degree from Bradley University in 1960. He served in the United States Navy from 1954 to 1984, first as an electronics technician and then as a pilot and training officer. He went on to work at the Pentagon, assisting the work of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Father Benter was ordained to the priesthood in 1989. He was the Associate Rector of Trinity-St John’s Church in Hewelett, NY (1989-1996) and then moved to the Diocese of Southwest Florida where he was the Associate Rector of St. John the Divine in Sun City (1996 -2005) before retiring in the area with his wife Jacqualine (deceased). Between them, they had 5 adult children, 11 grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.
A Requiem Eucharist for Father Benter will be held on April 22, 2025, at 3 p.m. at St. John the Divine, 1015 E. Del Webb Blvd, Sun City Center, FL 33573. The service will be live-streamed at https://www.stjohndivine.