Chaz Bennington, 37, of Indianapolis passed away on May 31, 2015. Chaz was born in Indianapolis on March 28, 1978 to Robert Bennington and Julie (Johnson) Crow. He was a beloved employee of the Cobblestone Grill in Zionsville for 15+ years. His engaging personality brought him a wide circle of friends from all walks of life. Whether lifelong or recent, his friendships will endure. He had a passion for music ranging from Sinatra to the Wu-Tang Clan and back to Johnny Cash. He never missed a Colt’s game but the Pacers were the great sports love of his life. He was a natural athlete and a wonderful team player. He was an avid reader and film fan, and a talented artist. He had an awful lot of shoes. Rising above all was his love for his son Preston. He was the most encouraging, affectionate, supportive, and just plain fun father a boy could have. Preston describes him as The Best Dad Ever. He is survived by his son Preston, his parents Bob and Julie, step-mom Arline Hill, Preston’s mother Amanda Bennington, siblings Anna-Kate Bennington, Galen Denney, Justyn Strother, and Paisley Mahern; nieces and nephews Kristopher Martin, Logan and Ryker Furay, Isabella, Ava, Basil, and Clementine Strother, and Luella Denney; aunts Kathy Hornsby and Caroline Duff; cousins Beau, Sarah, Sophie, Nate, and Lee; and finally many extended family member and friends. A calling will be held on Saturday, June 13 from 2 to 6 pm at Indiana Funeral Care and Crematory, Harry W. Moore Chapel, 8151 Allisonville Road, Indianapolis. A celebration will be held on Sunday, June 14 beginning at 6 pm at Cobblestone Grill, 160 N. Main Street, Zionsville. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the Preston R. Bennington Minor account at Key Bank. Deposits can be made at any branch to account # 140403007200. Envelopes will be provided at the services as well.
Linda Smith says
I didn’t know Chaz personally but I heard so many wonderful and loving stories about him and Preston from my daughter Kristen. I know he will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with all in the family and his friends.
Rachel Morton says
Sending all the love and strength possible from Lyttelton port here in New Zealand. We hold the Strothers close and think of their family and their grief at losing one so precious. We are all so very sorry for the loss of your man Chaz. X
Grace Blanchard says
Chaz was one of the most lovable people I’ve ever known. His light will be missed in this world. He loved his family without bounds, and they loved him in the same way. My heart grieves for all of them. Rest in peace, Chazzy.
Melissa says
May all your beautiful memories sustain you until you meet again. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Michelle Weiss says
Our deepest sympathy to your family and praying for rest and comfort during this time.
Nora Solitano says
I only met Chaz once or twice. I looked forward to getting to know him someday. Sometimes someday never comes. Chaz, I’m friends with your Mom, Julie, and will honor you by loving her all the more. I will meet you again someday. In a place far gentler than this.
sara jeffries says
I hadn’t spoken to Chaz in many years, however, the news of this loss intensely hurt my heart. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, especially Preston, and close friends. Chaz always had a smile and a way to make me smile. He will be missed, let his happiness endure
Shirley Rust says
Chaz spent many hours at our house as a child.He & my son Matt were best friends with b/days one day apart. He was always a great kid & fun to be around. I’ll always remember him with the great smile & moppy hair.
Julie Knox says
I finally had the pleasure of meeting Chaz last winter. He was a customer one night at Barcelona Tapas. I only vaguely remember him as a child due to my love for Modern Times, and friends and acquaintances from those days. Most memorably his mom, Julie. When I saw the name on his credit card, I told him it was so cool to meet him – random, and cool. Sending peace to Chaz, and all who loved him.
Connie Shakalis says
Oh, Julie and Tim, I feel terrible about your beloved Chaz.
Pat OHara says
Chaz was one of those rare people who always, always, always had a very positive energy and made you feel good just being around him. I turned 65 on May 31st and my birthday will never be the same again. My heart goes out to his family and all of the people he knew that were all very fortunate to have known Chaz Bennington.
Pat,Cliona,Nick,Ciara says
The pacers have lost their best player and I have lost my best analyst. Peace to all of his family.
Catherine Ibrahim says
So sorry for your loss, Bob and Julie.
Sending your families lots of Love and Hugs to help through this.
Catherine Ibrahim
Jen Eamon says
Chaz was well loved by some of the people I love most, my brother in law and my almost three year old nephew.
He won’t be forgotten. Who could forget that kid at Modern Times? Who could forget the style and the wit of the man he became?
My thoughts are with you, Julie and Amanda and Preston and All.
Patti Vaughn says
My heart goes out to all the family and friends affected by the premature loss of this beloved man. Arlene, my heart breaks for you; I hope that you will always have memories of the best of times together.
Janas Hoyt Westcott says
I remember Chaz with such fondness. All of the members of his family sparkle with love. He will be sorely missed- and never forgotten. Heartfelt condolences to all, with enduring love.
Anna Jordan says
At risk of being redundant, I will repost here what I just posted on Facebook: I met Chaz Bennington when I was 15 at Cathedral High School. I came from a very sheltered background, and hadn’t a clue about anything. At 17, he helped me through my crying sessions after placing my child for adoption. He taught me some things about music and art, and a lot of things about friendship; meanwhile (though I didn’t know it at the time), Julie taught us about individuality, gentleness, and family strength. She is pretty neat (understatement!). Chaz always had the uncanny ability to put a wry, humorous twist on a shitty situation. I have never heard the word “hate” come out of his mouth. Have you?! Nope–I know you haven’t. Whenever I was sad, he would make fun of me or just tickle me until I wet my pants…whichever made me laugh first. I thought I had a lot of years and grey hairs ahead of me to tell Chaz all of this. Instead I am telling anyone who cares to know: Chaz was and is a true friend to me–even after 23 years, he was always steady in his love and undiluted kindness. I will miss him very much!
Tonya Ballew says
dearest Bob and Julie,
I can think of a grief no greater than the passing of your child. I never met chaz as an adult. But I have always held this very strong image in my mind. I have known Julie and Bob since the early 80’s. I lived at 53 rd and college, long before it was the hip so bro place it is now. I would walk to the corner of 54 th and college to catch the city bus to broad ripple high school everday. There wasn’t much on the corner then, a gas station, Atlas, and a piano store. Lucky for me, Julie opened a wonderful vintage clothing store where Yats currently resides. I would always go in to see what eceletic and cool clothes she had. One time I went in and she was nursing a baby most casually, all relaxed in a chair. Being so young I had never seen a Mom do that in public so naturally. I was awestruck by Julies beautiful mothering nature and sunny wide smile that took up half her radiant face as we chatted while she nursed her baby boy. She told me his name was Chaz.
That was the only time I ever met him, and the image that is seared in my mind. It was a moment that made motherhood look like something you could create. I hold this image tenderly in my mind at this moment that I bow my head and say goodbye to that sweet baby boy, and for the mercy of beautiful memories for Julie and Bob as Chaz rests peacfully in their hearts.
David J. Carr says
Just knew him at Cobblestone. What a class guy; a terrible loss. Our prayers go out to his friends and family.
Cathy OHara says
Chaz was good friends with both of my sons: Sean and Rory. He was welcome in our home anytime as he was always so respectful and had a big hug and a kiss for me. I don’t know what I can say that hasn’t already been said, but my heart and prayers go out to his family. We will all miss him very much.
Sherri Berg says
My grandson, Ian, and Preston have been classmates since pre-school. I have met and talked to Chaz at school events and birthday parties over those eight years. He was indeed a loving and exceptional father. This is a tragic loss. You all have my thoughts and prayers. Sherri Berg
Alice Pickler says
I didn’t know Chaz personally but I heard so many wonderful and loving stories about him. My prayers are with his family and friends.
donna walter says
Arline & Family,
I am so truly sorry for your loss~~you have been in my thoughts & prayers~~God’s blessings to all of you!!
Ruth Lake Holladay says
I never had the privilege of meeting Chaz but we know Galen his brother. I am just so sorry; this is a terrible tragedy and loss of a good man’s life.
rachel N.& family says
Arline, we are so sorry for your loss. please accept our sympathy and extend our condolences to your entire family members. May the Lord God grant you all his peace and strength at this time.
Rachel Goodburn says
We are so sad for your family. We know Preston and experienced Chaz through his eyes. It was very apparent that he was a very lucky kid to have a father that adored him and was devoted. I hope that Preston can always use those precious moments as strength. Godspeed Preston and know that we are all thinking of you and lifting you up in our hearts.
Michael Miller says
Met Chaz almost 15 years ago but he stood out for his openness to others and his love of life. Best wishes to everyone who will miss him.
Chrystal Jones says
Chaz and I went to elementary school together (#86). I will forever remember the blonde haired kid with the runny nose that had such great artistic talent at such a young age. I remember days playing kickball on the school parking lot and the caricature drawing of some of us as our future older selves. My prayers are with all those whose life he touched.
Linda Farmer says
Chaz has been friends with my Michelle and Amanda a very long time but more like a brother to my son Andrew…I had the privilege of knowing him as well.The grief is immense for all of us…Please know love, prayers and peace go to his parents , siblings and all family .
Rachel Patten says
I knew Chaz as the father of my amazing student, Preston. He clearly loved Preston and Preston clearly loved his father. It was my privilege to get to know this beautiful family and see the way they worked together to provide love and support for their child. I also live in Zionsville and got yo run into Chaz around town or at Cobblestone. He always had time to say hello, he was always kind. I will miss him and my greatest hope is that his family and friends can find peace.