John Benz Fentner, Esq.

John Benz Fentner, Jr., of Torrington, Connecticut, passed away on February 20, 2026, after a life marked by curiosity, humor, and independence.

John served four years in the United States Air Force before going on to study law at the University of Connecticut School of Law. He later opened his own law practice, focusing primarily on real estate law and helping clients navigate one of life’s more complicated matters with clarity and practicality.

A voracious reader and amateur photographer, he also loved cooking and rarely shied away from adding a little extra heat. Music was another constant companion; his tastes ranged widely, but artists such as Count Basie and Willie Nelson were always close at hand. This later had the unfortunate consequence of influencing his son to pick up drumming.

John had a particular fondness for classic comedy, especially the irreverent wit of the Marx Brothers, whose brand of clever absurdity suited his own sense of humor well. Tragically, he never did find an answer to the question of the duck.

A line printed beneath his photograph in his high school yearbook perhaps captured something of his outlook on life:

“For the love of laughter, hinder not the humour of his design.”

He is survived by his son, J.B. Fentner, and by his former wife, Sally Cofiell, with whom he remained close in later years.

Those who wish to remember John may do so in their own way; perhaps by sharing a spicy meal, listening to a favorite album a little too loud, revisiting a classic comedy, or simply taking a moment to appreciate life’s beautiful absurdity.

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