John Michael Bentkowski

Sadly, on Saturday August 31, John Michael Bentkowski died at 80 years of age. The world lost a great husband, father, grandfather, dog father, family member and friend. Our family was truly blessed to have had him in our lives and he will be dearly missed.

John was the much loved son of Mary Skroupski and John Joseph (Bentz) Bentkowski, brother of Gerard (Jerry) Bentkowski, and son in law of Polly West Elkins and Roy Elkins, all of whom predeceased him.

Johnny and Jerry spent their happy childhood in East Baltimore surrounded by numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. He attended The Shrine of the Little Flower School, Calvert Hall College High School, University of Maryland and University of Baltimore with a long career in accounting which included Kennecott Refining, Baltimore Mass Transit Administration, and the Town of Bel Air. As a young adult he also served as a member of the Army National Guard. An avid sports fan, John enjoyed following the Orioles, Ravens, Baltimore Colts, Terps and Calvert Hall Cardinals. Most of all he was honored to attend his children’s and grandchildren’s sporting events, musical performances and other fun activities. John, along with his wife Beverly, instilled their love of family, faith, and loyalty in all of us, as well as his love of all things Baltimore.

John was the proud and loving patriarch of his blended family with his wife of 43 years, Beverly Elkins Bentkowski; children – John and Karen Paulo Howes, Scott and Michelle Tana Bentkowski, Gretchen Howes and Shahab Bahmani, Jamie Bentkowski and Chris Swann and Dustin Bentkowski; grandchildren – Kirra Graves, Samantha Burgess, Ryan Howes , Connor Howes, Madeline Eckstein, Cassidy Howes, Hailey Swann, Harper Swann, Phoebe Bentkowski and Meadow Bentkowski; great grandchild Olivia Brittingham; sister in law – Teresa Lubin Bentkowski; nieces – Kerri Bentkowski Li and Lisa Bentkowski Gribling and their families; current dog pack Ned Devine, Little Lulu and Teddy Mae Schnoodle.

John was a member of St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church 222 Law Street Aberdeen MD 21001 where a Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, October 5, 2024 at 11 am. Followed by a rendering of Military Honors.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to the Calvert Hall College High School Alumni; https://www.calverthall.com/alumni

Private interment