Steven L. Bennett Jr., affectionately called “Steve,” loved spending time with his family, especially his children, and traveling. Bennett died Feb. 8. He was 51.

Bennett was born to Steven L. Bennett Sr. and Mary L. Griffin-Bennett on May 30, 1960, in Philadelphia.

He was educated in the Philadelphia Public School System and graduated from Martin Luther King High School.

His family said he had many hobbies and enjoyed using the computer, taking pictures, having cookouts and playing with the latest gadgets.

Bennett always had his uniform pressed and shoes shined. While not in uniform he loved to dress and always had on a new pair of the latest sneakers. He was always smiling and willing to help anyone in need. Bennett was also a no-nonsense man.

He joined the Pennsylvania National Guard in 1979 and served until 1987 where he was honorably discharged. Bennett joined the Philadelphia Police Department in 1989.

While with the Police Department he served in various units including, the Highway Patrol, traffic division and the narcotics division. He received several commendations and awards for merit and bravery including the Fraternal Order of Police Academy Award for Platoon Leadership before retiring in 2010. After retiring from the police department he was employed by Bryn Mawr College, with the public safety department.

Bennett leaves to mourn: companion, Valerie V. Curry; daughter, Aneea M. Bennett; sons, Steven L. Bennett III and Darien S. Bennett; father, Steven L. Bennett Sr.; brothers, Kevin L. Bennett and Darrin M. Boswell; sisters, Dawn L. Bennett and Kimberly L. Bennett; grandmother, Hazel Griffin; aunt, Marie E. Camp; cousin, Dr. Dana-Marie Thomas; and his extended family, Anna Farr and Vance McKelvy as well as a host of nieces, nephews, other family members and friends.

Bennett was preceded in death by his mother.

Services were held Feb. 16 at Bethel Deliverance International Church. Wood Funeral Home handled the arrangements.