John M. Bennett (56), of Boston, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loved ones and his music on January 31st, 2023. John was born to Julie (Adams) and John Bennett on April 1st, 1966, in Dorchester, Massachusetts. Since childhood, John excelled musically, he played the bongos and drums in church and was taught the piano by his loving mother Julie. His other hobbies included a knack for playing chess and performing martial arts in his younger years. While attending Boston High School, he worked at Filene's basement and was known to be one of the best dressers and would later graduate the class of 1984.

John had a very popular radio show titled “Friday Night Rap Devastation” on WRBB radio 104.9 FM that he co-hosted with his soul brother Cedric Cromwell aka Cool DJ Cedric C. The promo would announce “Kick back Mack and relax… DJ JMB is illin’...”!

John also belonged to two MC groups back in the day. The Corbit Street MCs and the CMCs respectfully. He worked hundreds of gigs over the years from NY to Long Island including doing the Apollo Theater and working with Artists such as Biz Markie, Fig X, WreckX-N-Effect, and En Vogue. Their claim to fame, however, would be opening for non-other than Run DMC.

He worked at the bank of Boston for over ten years through the ’80s. This is where he would meet the love of his life and the mother of his children, Mary Bennett. It was love at first sight. John used to slip Mary gushy love notes and poems at her desk at the bank for years until they started dating in 1985. They eventually married and have been together for thirty-seven beautiful years and had two children together: Jazzlynn and Matthew.

He was a jack of all trades working in the trucking industry with Fresh Samantha, from shipment manager for large diamond brands companies such as Tiffany's and Hearts on Fire to computer parts at UNICOM. He also attended welding school. He loved fixing up cars and drove his wife crazy with the amount of tools and projects he kept in the house to which he would respond “What if someone else needs them?”

The Bennetts are known for throwing huge summer cookouts that included hosting extended relatives and friends in tents, over a weekend-long party. Anyone who knew John knew that not only was he a grill master extraordinaire, but he would be DJing the party simultaneously without a hitch. This was true for wherever he went, he would DJ every party he went to. He was Mr. “Pass me the Aux” before that was a coined phrase.

On a regular day, you could find John mixing or listening to music, playing with his grand-babies, dressed in head-to-toe champion gear, and watching Jeopardy. Many do not know this, but he was unofficially sponsored by the champion and was a pretend Jeopardy contestant every night at 7PM.

He was preceded in death by his brother Gerroll Bennett. He is survived by his mother Julie and father John Bennett. His dear brothers Exlus and Syr Ivan Bennett. His loving wife Mary (Dunner) Bennett. His children Jazzlynn and Matthew Bennett. His daughter-in-law Shayla Fitts and his grandchildren: Zoey Fitts, Nola Fitts-Bennett, and Koda Fitts-Bennett. Last, but certainly not least, is his record collection.

John will fondly be remembered for being a father figure and role model to many friends and relatives over the years. Before his passing, John relayed who his mentors throughout his life were which included James Cromwell, Rob White, and Miguel Feliciano.

Even three weeks before his passing he was still answering his Jeopardy questions, nodding his head to music beats, cracking jokes, trying to instill knowledge and culture into his children, grandchildren, and spending time with his loving wife. No amount of written words will be able to consume the legacy that is John Bennett. He was beloved by all far and wide, and the hole left behind is immense but we know that he is finally at peace with his brothers in heaven.

Visitation will be held at Morning Star Baptist Church, 1257 Blue Hill Avenue, MATTAPAN on Wednesday, February 15th. from 10-11AM. Funeral Service to begin at 11AM. Relatives and friends invited. Interment private.

Repass will be held at Sons of Italy, 120 Quarry St, Quincy, MA 02169 immediately following the services.