Honeoye Falls: Bradley “Brad” Bennett, passed away peacefully on May 31st, 2021 at the age of 61 yrs. He was surrounded with much love from his wife, Karen and sister, Brenda.
Born in Lubbock, TX to the late Roger & Sylvia “Janet” Bennett, Brad grew up in Honeoye, NY and graduated from Honeoye Central in 1978.
He had a long and fulfilling career in the tire industry, managing retail operations, then heading up major wholesale divisions- where he was well respected and knowledgeable in his field. Fifteen of those years were spent working for (now retired owners- the Miller Bros) of W. Glenn Sedam, Inc. of Perry, NY. He had lifelong friendships with former employers, co-workers, customers and industry contacts alike.
An avid sports fan, Brad enjoyed dirt track racing, the Rochester Red Wings, the Buffalo Bills and Syracuse basketball. Vacations were always better when it included stops in Cooperstown for the Baseball Hall of Fame and a chance to soak in the atmosphere there. He was in his glory when attending baseball games.
In late April, battling cirrhosis, renal failure, Parkinson’s Disease and complications with diabetes, Brad made the brave decision to go home and into hospice care. With Karen at his side, he spent his final weeks focusing on his quality of life in comfortable surroundings with dignity, compassion and love from those around him.
Having cared for his ailing parents in previous years, his own health issues and recent covid events meant that Brad and Karen had an exceptionally long engagement. He made a special request asking if they could be wed before he passed away, and with the help of hospice staff, Brad and Karen were married in a beautiful ceremony in their home. It was a joyous day where love was celebrated, and illness took a back seat for once.
The final weeks with Brad were a gift – filled with love, laughter, gratitude and tenderness. A special reunion with his brother Dave, his sister-in-law- Karen, and sister Brenda proved to be very memorable. All three siblings came together to reminisce and show their love and appreciation for each other one last time.
Brad is survived by his wife & best friend, Karen; Sister Brenda (Paul) Heilman of Shortsville, Brother David (Karen) Bennett of Heber Springs, Arkansas. Children: Heather (Dan) Clark, Kellie (John) Fowler, Nicole (Rich) Gardner, Emily (Jamie) Duffield, Christopher (Felicia Huang) Billing.
Brad was “Papa” to 9 grandchildren – Joseph, Chloe, Kyle, Caleb, Brodie, Mallory, Danielle, Olivia and Robin, and 1 great-grandchild – Carter.
A private memorial will be held later date. Interment will also be held privately at Lakeview Cemetery in Honeoye, NY. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial contribution in Brad’s name to:
UR Medicine Hospice, 2180 Empire Blvd, Webster, NY 14580. To share a memory or a condolence, please visit: www.doughertyfuneralhomes.com.