CAPT Vaughn Peter Bennett, USN (Ret.)

ENS Bennet became a Naval Aviator on January 1, 1975 at HT-18, NAS Ellyson Field, Pensacola, Florida.  ENS Bennet was Navy Helicopter Pilot Designation Number # R-13267.

Vaughn Peter Bennett, a loving father and husband, devoted veteran, and quick-witted soul who touched many with his kindness, passed away on November 11, 2025 – fittingly on Veterans Day. He was born on September 27, 1950, in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.

Vaughn graduated from Bishop Luers High School in Fort Wayne, Indiana, in 1968, where he played and excelled in football, basketball and track. He went on to attend the U.S. Naval Academy, where he competed on the track team as a high hurdler and graduated in 1973. Afterward, he earned his wings at the Naval Flight School in Pensacola, Florida, and began a 25-year career as a Naval Helicopter Pilot. During this time, he served in search and rescue missions, anti-submarine warfare, and as an instructor pilot, with deployments including the USS CONSTELLATION. While in the Navy he earned his master’s degree and subsequently retired with the rank of Captain. After his military service, he continued his career as a Project Manager for the State of Michigan.

Vaughn loved movies, sailing, and returning to Maine, which was a place close to his heart. He was known for his humor, warmth, and steady presence, and he shared those gifts generously with family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife, LuAnn (Younkin) Bennett. He is survived by his former wife, Beverly (Scher) Bennett; his sister, Toni Bennett (and her three children); his brother, John Bennett (and his four children). He is also survived by his children – Teresa Jones (and her three children), Ryan Bennett (and his two children), Heather Rance (and her four children), Carly Holmes, Carina Bennett, and Cylea Bennett (and her two children).

A memorial service and the spreading of his ashes will take place in Kittery, Maine next summer. Memorial gifts can be made to the American Parkinson’s Disease Association in his honor.