One of a Kind

When the music played, '50s swing to slow crooners, Nathan Benderson just couldn't help himself. He would always get up and dance.

The patriarch of one the region's most charitable families and successful businesses, Benderson lived like that well into his 90s, say several in his large network of family and friends. Many in that network cited Benderson's wit, business acumen and humility — in addition to his dancing skills — this week in remembering him. Benderson died April 7, after a brief illness. He was 94.

“Everybody who had a chance to meet him will never forget him,” says Rob Oglesby, president of Honor Animal Rescue in east Manatee County, one of the numerous charities Benderson supported. “He was one of a kind.”