Arnold Alan Bennett

October 28th, 2025

This saddens me. Spoke with him on July 15 and I knew he was experiencing health challenges. The thing about Arn was, what else was new? He would tell me of ailment, but with an ever-optimistic tone and he’d always bounce back. It’s been like that for 20+ years, so I figured something was wrong when he didn’t return my last text (Bears were playing someone, asked if he was watching, too). From the time I met him in the late 90s while we were selling space for The Gourmet Retailer Magazine, we became fast friends and I always found his ad sales advice useful. Never forget rooming with him a few times on the road. Through all of my milestones in life — moving, marriage, jobs, son’s birth and eventual admittance to college, Arn wanted to know about them and celebrate them. Visiting Chicago won’t be nearly as much fun anymore. Arnie I miss you and will never forget you. Rest easy. Love, Eric

~Eric Rubenstein
~Friend, ATLANTA

August 6th, 2025

Arnie was one of my best friends for nearly 38 years . We spoke almost every day., i’m gonna miss his laughter and company. Arnie and I went on many trips and vacations together. We used to laugh and laugh.. He used to love to go out to dinner and see live music as well,. I am truly truly going to miss my buddy , Arnie.
Life won’t be the same

~Jimmy Hosfield
~Close friend, Skokie , Illinois

August 2nd, 2025

I’ve known Arnie for over 60 years. When the Bennett’s moved to Danville I became a lifelong friend of his older brother Evan. I spent many meals with the Bennett’s. Arnie was always nice and polite to me and to all of Evan’s friends. I remember spending many holidays at the Bennett’s. Arnie always seemed to enjoy the holidays at his home.
Melody was in the same class at Danville High School and remembers him fondly. I
know he will be missed by his family. May his memory be for a blessing.

Melody & Neal Ehrlich

~Neal & Melody Ehrlich
~Friend, Danville, Illinois

August 1st, 2025

I worked with Arnie in the 1980’s – always with positive energy and a kind word to say. We stayed in touch over the years. My condolences to his family and friends on this loss.

~Howard Kaufman
~Friend, Scottsdale, AZ

July 31st, 2025

So many memories of my great friend. Whenever I would call him he would always say “ hey buddy”. We were buddies since 1972 after meeting in college. I wanted to introduce him to my new girlfriend at school and when the two saw each other Laury says “ thats Arnie; I know Arnie”. I was shocked to find out they both went to High School together. We had a lot of great times together and I will miss my time hanging out and talking with my buddy Arnie.

~Keith Youngquist
~Buddy, West Dundee, Il