It is with a heavy heart that we write to tell you that John DeBenedetti has passed away.
We mourn him.
John was only the third owner in F. H Steinbart 102 year history. John started working at Steinbarts in 1975 and became the owner after his father passed away.
John was instrumental in promoting craft and home brewing in the Pacific Northwest. John was also an avid sailor and a member of the Madeleine Parish.
John worked until his death. He enjoyed the daily goings of the shop and interacting with customers. The store will continue to stay open and in the family under the leadership of John’s wife, Mary Kay.
There will be a Mass and Rosary on John’s behalf. Given indoor restriction for gatherings, this will be for a limited group of friends and family. We are planning a remembrance celebration for later in the year when we can enjoy each other’s company in good weather and without restrictions for gatherings. We will make sure that it is well published to all of you that want to share stories of your time with John.
Condolence messages can be left as comments on this post. Flowers can be sent to Madeleine Parish for the May 8th family mass.
Dear Mary Kay, James and Michele,
I was very saddened when I read about John’s passing. You have my sincere condolences. While I never met John in person, I did talk to him over the phone. I will never forgot the first conversation I had with him. I called the store to ask a few questions about placing an order and some ingredient advice. John not only answered my questions in a patient and informative way but we went on to just talk about brewing, how business was and just things in general. The conversation must have lasted nearly 30 minutes. When the call ended I remember thinking two things. One is I could have talked to John for much longer but I did not want to infringe any more on his time. The second is he was the kind of man I truly would have enjoyed having a beer with and just chatting to. He made that much of an impression on me.
Once again, I’m so sorry for your loss. May his memory be a blessing to you,
Barry