Gathering
Larkin Mortuary, 260 E South Temple, Salt Lake City, UtahTuesday Dec 30, 2025: 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Graveside Service
Salt Lake City Cemetery, 200 N Street, Salt Lake City, UtahTuesday Dec 30, 2025: 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
1954 ~ 2025
Tuesday Dec 30, 2025: 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Tuesday Dec 30, 2025: 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
John Stradling Bennion, 71, was born September 19, 1954 to Mervyn Sharp Bennion, Jr. and LaRee (Larrie) Stradling Bennion in Salt Lake City, Utah. He died December 9, 2025 in Hampstead, North Carolina.
John’s love of science began early. He created his own chemistry laboratory (in a large closet at his great-grandfather’s home) while still in elementary school. His curiosity and theories were not always non-dangerous; but he, others, and the neighborhood survived his various experiments.
John attended Lowell and Lafeyette Elementaries and Bryant Jr. High. He graduated from East High School and the University of Utah with a B.S. in Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, a M.S. in Nuclear Engineering, and a Ph.D in Nuclear Engineering. He was affiliated with Sigma Phi Epsilon. When he allowed people into his life, they were solidly there.
John taught at the University of Utah as a graduate student and was a professor at Idaho State University in his field of mechanical and nuclear engineering. He was actively involved in many professional organizations, including the American Nuclear Society. At the time of his death, he was employed by GE Vernova Hitachi as a Senior Engineer/Technologist. John was brilliant, dedicated, and well-known for working extremely long hours. His impressive curriculum vitae can be found on his LinkedIn profile.
John is survived by his siblings Robert S. Bennion (Syd), Santa Monica, CA; Rebecca A. Bennion, and J. Michael Bennion, both of Salt Lake City, UT. He is also survived by six nieces and nephews, and fifteen great-nieces and great-nephews.
He was preceded in death by his paternal grandmother Louise Clark Bennion, his parents, and his oldest brother Mervyn Sharp Bennion, III (Mick).
There will be a graveside service at the Salt Lake Cemetery on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. People can meet at Larkin Mortuary, 250 East South Temple, at 1:00 pm.
The family appreciates John’s colleagues and friends who recognized his talents and enriched his life. We are deeply grateful for those who have been and are unbelievably helpful and supportive as we finalize John’s affairs.
Love and prayers to John’s family during the holidays…
I met John back in 2006 when I joined the nuclear PE exam committee. He was my vice-chair when I chaired the committee from 2009-2011 and always went out of his way to see me when I was in Wilmington for work. I particularly remember this India buffet he took me to twice. John was a big part of the PE committee and will be greatly missed by friends and ANS colleagues. Sincere condolences on your family's loss.
Dear Bennion's,
Thinking of you all and praying for your peace and comfort during this difficult time. Know you are all loved.
Crystal
We lost a competent, brilliant colleague and friend. He will be missed. My deepest condolences to the family.
We send our heartfelt condolences and prayers to the whole Bennion family. We will miss John, our favorite Friday night date!! Rest easy friend, you’ll always be remembered….