John Albert DeBenedetti
(July 28,1935 -April 29, 2021)
The PNW District and the sailing community in the Portland area are mourning the loss of our good friend, John DeBenedetti, 85. He was our “Father Lightning.” John had a passion for racing/sailing and was a leader in promoting the Lightning Class and sailing for all ages.
At 13 years old, John was a Sea Scout and has been sailing/racing ever since. As a member of Fleet 283, John raced Lightnings on the Columbia River since the 1950’s. Many in the Fleet were members of the Oregon Corinthians Sailing Association. Because the River was not wide enough to set a proper windward leg and the Spring current was a hazard, John and others sought a better place to sail. They found a piece of property on the shores of Vancouver Lake located in Vancouver, WA. With grit and hard work, Charter members, John and others founded Vancouver Lake Sailing Club in 1967. John has long-served as a VLSC Board Member including many stints as Commodore and Race Captain.
At that same time he also began taking leadership positions at the Lightning District level and in 1963 he was named PNW District Commodore. By 1971 his efforts were recognized on the National Level and he was voted a Vice President on the Governing Board. He was recognized for his contributions with a Life Membership. It wasn’t until about 2016 when he “retired” from an official titled position. John served the Lightning Class in a leadership role for 50+ years!
He traveled up and down the west coast with countless trips participating in the California Circuit, Pacific Coast Championships and other regattas in between. Every few years, he would change the North – South route for the East – West route, attending the North Americans or other regattas somewhere out East. He would often take back additional boats, sails or other equipment to help build and maintain the fleets out West. John worked overtime to encourage interested sailors, act as a clearing house for boat buyers, arrange for private and group boat tuning sessions, and setting up crew training.
Racing was a family affair with John for many years, winning many trophies with his children as crew. His enthusiasm and love of sailing was obvious. He travelled to watch the America’s Cup twice. John was an active and competitive racer until his death.
John lived in Portland, OR all his life. He married his wife of 58 years, Mary Kay DeBendetti, the love of his life. They were blessed with a large and loving family, 5 children and 5 grandchildren.
John graduated from the University of Portland and began his career as an accountant. Since 1975, John with his wife Mary Kary were only the third owners of F.H. Steinbart Co, the nation’s oldest home brewing and wine supply company, located in S.E. Portland, OR for 103 years. He took over the business after his father’s death. He remained an active owner since then and was an expert and pioneer in promoting the craft beer industry in the PNW. Bridgeport Brewing Company nominated him as an honorary “Old Knucklehead” in 2008 to represent their Old Knucklehead barleywine their award winning beer. This honor was inaugurated every few years to a prominent Portlander.
A devout catholic all his life, John was an active member of St. Mary Madeleine Parish, was a president of the Parent’s Club for several years, and tirelessly volunteered in ongoing support of Maddy’s Cart to feed the hungry/homeless in Portland.
We will miss our good friend: his humor, generosity, loyalty, enthusiasm, kindness, and his consistent appeal for “one more race."
