Bennett Joel Stein

FUNERAL SERVICE:
Monday, April 20, 2026, at 10:00 AM
Graveside at Greenwood Cemetery, 1173 Cascade Cir SW, Atlanta, GA 30311

LIVESTREAM: Please click here to attend the funeral service via livestream.

Meeting ID: 879 2991 1940
Passcode: 712817

SHIVA:
Shiva will be observed on Monday April 20, 2026, and Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at 7:00 PM at the home of Carla and Howard Wertheimer; 5177 Stratham Drive, Dunwoody, GA, 30338

OBITUARY:
Bennett Joel Stein of Indian Harbour Beach, Florida, passed away surrounded by his loving family.

Bennett was the beloved son of Saul and Beatrice (Vitner) Stein, of blessed memory. He was a devoted father, brother, uncle, and friend who lived life with warmth, curiosity, and a deep appreciation for the people and experiences that shaped him. He is lovingly remembered by his daughters, Mandy Stein of Lexington, Kentucky, and Haley Stein of Maine. He also leaves behind his cherished sisters, Carla Wertheimer (Howard) of Atlanta and Karen Epstein (Gary) of St. Louis.

Bennett was a proud and beloved uncle to Marissa Wertheimer (Bradley Keiffer) of Nashville, Alexandra Wertheimer of Denver, Dr. Cody Wertheimer of Indian Harbour Beach, Melanie Marks (Jonathan) of St. Louis, Dr. Marcie Siteman-Garland (David) of St. Louis, and Louis Epstein (Carly) of Redondo Beach, and many great nieces and nephews. He is also remembered with love by his partner of many years, Susie, with whom he shared wonderful adventures traveling, especially to their favorite places in Thailand and Vietnam.

A graduate of Grady High School (Class of 1968) and the University of Georgia (Class of 1973), Bennett carried his love of learning and connection throughout his life, recently enjoying time and memories with friends at his high school reunion. In his early 20’s, he served in the Peace Corps in the Dominican Republic, where he immersed himself in the culture and became fluent in Spanish—a skill that enriched his personal and professional relationships for years to come. His career was colorful. He loved acting, and one of his favorite roles was riding horseback as a Native American at Stone Mountain. He once lived on a kibbutz in Israel. Other jobs included construction work, auto mechanic, U.S. surface mining investigator, Florida Coast Patrol, and most memorable, assisting at a hospital and delivering a baby.

A talented musician and songwriter, Bennett loved all music—especially The Beatles—and cherished time spent with family and lifelong friends. He had a playful spirit and enjoyed reruns of The Three Stooges and reading war-genre graphic novels. Deeply interested in history, Bennett participated in Civil War reenactments, bringing the past to life through his enthusiasm and curiosity.

He was always eager to explore new culinary experiences, including a good Chinese buffet. Every visit to Atlanta included trips to The Varsity, where he enjoyed chili dogs and onion rings, along with a few classic stops at Waffle House, where he joked that his meals there included all the food groups.

Bennett found joy in life’s simple and meaningful moments. He loved walking along the beach collecting sea glass, sometimes witnessing nearby rocket launches. Driving his Corvette, riding his motor scooter, exploring waterways on his jet ski, and sitting peacefully on his dock watching manatees and dolphins glide by were some of his favorite pastimes. He routinely donated blood and volunteered his time supporting elderly communities and retired veterans, offering them companionship and listening to their stories.

Graveside services will be held at Greenwood Cemetery in Atlanta, on Monday, April 20, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., officiated by Rabbi Laurence Rosenthal of Ahavath Achim Synagogue. Shiva will be observed on Monday, April 20, and Tuesday, April 21, at 7:00 p.m. at the home of Carla and Howard Wertheimer, 5177 Stratham Drive, Dunwoody, Georgia 30338.

Gone way too soon, Bennett’s life was marked by love, adventure, creativity, humor, and kindness. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew him.