Bruce Eldon Bennett, PhD, 84, of The Villages, Florida, passed away peacefully on September 9, 2026, after a 17-year battle with Parkinson’s disease.

Bruce was born on August 25, 1942, in Lansing, Michigan, to Ralph Cottle Bennett and Marie Natalie Ralston Bennett. He grew up in Columbus, Ohio, attended North High School, and earned his bachelor’s degree from The Ohio State University. He later earned his master’s degree and PhD in psychology from the Illinois Institute of Technology.

Bruce had a distinguished career as a psychologist, educator, author, and advocate for his profession. He began in private practice and became a leader in professional psychology at both the state and national levels. He later transitioned into insurance, eventually leading the nation’s largest provider of professional liability coverage for psychologists.

He served as President and Executive Director of the Illinois Psychological Association and was recognized as a Distinguished Psychologist for his advocacy on behalf of psychologists and their patients. One of his proudest accomplishments was helping expand insurance coverage for psychological services in Illinois. He later continued that work nationally in Washington, D.C., including with U.S. Senator Daniel Inouye of Hawaii.

Bruce later served as President and CEO of the APA Insurance Trust in Washington, D.C., where his work focused on professional ethics, risk management, liability, and the legal responsibilities of psychologists. He was a frequent speaker at state psychological association conventions throughout the country and contributed to the revision of ethical standards for the profession. Bruce also authored and co-authored works on psychology, ethics, law, and professional risk.

Bruce also taught at Northwestern University, Rosary College, the Chicago Medical School, and the Evanston School of Nursing, and was a guest speaker at Loyola University, the University of Utah, and Brigham Young University. His teaching reflected a career spent at the intersection of psychology, ethics, and law.

Bruce was married to his wife, Detra Tenenbaum Bennett, for 60 years. Together, they built a life centered on family, raising two sons, Jason and Adam, and later welcoming four grandchildren.

Outside of his professional accomplishments, Bruce will be remembered most for the way he made people feel. He was a great listener and loyal friend who took a genuine interest in others, with a gift for making people feel known and important. He also had a wonderful sense of humor and loved making people laugh.

He brought that same enthusiasm to the things he loved. Bruce was a lifelong sports fan, especially of Buckeye football and basketball, as well as the Chicago Bulls, Bears, and Cubs. He frequently attended games with his sons, and he also loved playing basketball himself, where he was known for his defense and three-point shot.

Bruce also loved working with his hands, fixing things, and understanding how they worked. One of his favorite projects was restoring a 1967 Austin-Healey, a reflection of his patience, curiosity, and attention to detail.

Among the places he loved most was Lakeside, Ohio, where his summer home on the shores of Lake Erie was part of a family tradition spanning five generations. He loved being on the water, especially boating with his children and grandchildren.

He and Detra also shared a love of travel. In retirement, they traveled throughout the United States and to Europe, Egypt, China, Japan, Canada, and Mexico, enjoying new places, people, and experiences together.

After moving to The Villages, Florida, Bruce continued to connect with and serve others through the Parkinson’s community, becoming a certified Parkinson’s trainer.

Bruce leaves behind his beloved wife of 60 years, Detra; his sons, Jason (Rachel) and Adam (Jessica); and his grandchildren, Sydney, Gavin, Kate, and Jane.

Memorial Service

Saturday, October 10, 2026, at 11:00 a.m.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints6411 West 11800 North Highland, Utah 84003

Family and friends are invited to gather in celebration of Bruce’s life. A light lunch will follow the service.