Conesus: At age 51, Rod passed away suddenly on Thursday, December 10, 2020 at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester. He was born in Rochester, NY. Rod was predeceased by his mother Juanita C. Bennett and his cherished chocolate lab Donut Marie. Rod is survived by his beloved wife of just 2 and a half short years, Jennifer R. (Duby) Bennett; his father Richard C. (Suzanne) Bennett; and his brothers Richard G. (Laurie) Bennett, Rustin C. (Sharon) Bennett, Randall W. (Anna) Bennett, and Russell W. (Suzanne) Bennett; 12 nieces & nephews as well as many cousins and close friends.
Rod graduated from Livonia Central School in 1987 where he participated in football, basketball, and track and field. He loved art and continued to pursue it through adulthood. In 1990 he started his life-long law enforcement career as a reserve deputy with Livingston County Sheriff’s Department. He was promoted to a full time Deputy Sheriff in 1991 and worked in all three department divisions during his 29 year career before retiring in 2019. Rod was always making new friends and loved meeting new people, and his circle is enormous.
Friends and family are invited to call on Wednesday December 16, 2020 from 3PM to 6PM at the Kevin W. Dougherty Funeral Home, 21 Big Tree Street in Livonia. Funeral services will be held privately following calling hours. Memorial contributions may be made to: Ronald McDonald House Charities, 333 Westmoreland Dr., Rochester, NY. To share a memory or a condolence, please visit: www.doughertyfuneralhomes.com.
*Please note, the Funeral Home will be operating at 33% capacity per state guidelines. New York State requires those in attendance to adhere to these guidelines including those related to social distancing and face coverings.
My friend, there will never be another like you Rod Bennett who was this truly beautiful man. What a friend he was, K through 12 we were together growing up at Livonia Central schools, and meeting for a nice plate of french fries with gravy and a coke at the Milky Way during high school. And I dont mind mentioning he looked way better than I did in our senior class picture voted Livonia High School Class of 1987’s two “Class Partier’s”. My dear friend my heart has a hole in it for the rest of my life and may I say cheers to us all who loved the man in this life cheers to better days after this life because he has made the trip we all must make, and because my friend you told me I know, of the God above in whom you trusted in this life and looked to and prayed to and so I look forward to seing you again there in our eternal existance. Jen, are you okay, are you safe? The archangels know you are because that is a promise. We haven’t met but I treasure you and wish to send a note of care in consolences, extra special if that could be possible. Randy and Rusty, I remember your mom and never forgot her either, always noting within myself with a smile my belief he would not have been the excellent person he was without her and I adored and respected your little brother and the mention of tour names over the years by Rod, always good to hear, and I have been grieved and I just want to tell you there are good memories from our small town beginnings in Livonia and the surrounding towns where the beginnings of friendships were made with some of the best people on earth, Rod was one of them, one of the good guys in a really messed up world.. He has been promoted, and I cry and to his family I am sorry for your loss and to his friends, how lucky we were to have our own great memories and to have had our lives enhanced because we knew that particular soul. I say that because I’m pretty sure Rod had more friends than most people and it was because he was a friend and I feel that to his friends, many who I know, I say cheers to a great life, although cut too short, cheers make it brandy on the rocks. Dear Rod’s Dad, please stay strong and well and choose to remember with me that death is not the end and I am so very happy for you having brought my friend your son into this world.
Sending you our deepest sympathy. I hope your memories will bring you comfort.
Rod was such a gentle soul, a big teddy bear interior with a stern exterior when he was working. I went to HS with him and will never forget his smile. My prayers and healing thoughts are with you and his family. God speed
My condolences to the family. Rod was wonderful to work with. He got along with everybody. I will be praying for all of his family and friends.
I am so sad to hear this. You’ve left behind alot of good memories my friend. May your family stay strong during this difficult time. Rest in peace Rod.
There are no words to express how sorry I am for the loss of such a warm hearted, and loving soul. Rod was a great man, who lit up every room he walked into, and never ceased to bring a smile to my face whenever he was in my company. The world is a little dimmer, and much colder now that he has left it. He will be greatly missed.
My condolences to all family and friends. Rod and I were inseparable in High School. I have nothing but love for him and his parents. They took me in for about 6 months of my senior year and the memories I have living with them are priceless. Rod and I had our mischievous sides but “Jaunsey” (RIP) and “Pops” Bennett kept us inline (mostly with love, occasionally with the bullwhip over the mantle…inside joke). Rod had that big smile and was always up for a laugh. Next time I am in Rochester, I’ll eat a Nick’s plate in his honor. Love ya bud!
I’m at a loss for words to convey my feelings. As Aita Bloom said, Rod was unique. Indeed. My deepest condolences to Jen & Rods family. Many tears will continue to be shed.
Rod became apart of our family over the last year, I’ve known jenny for much longer. But Rod was so important to my self and my children. A super hero of sorts to my son. Such a tragedy. But we will hold onto the memories we have, one of the best is when he became a toy doctor to sew up Woody arm after it had ripped, a favorite toy of my sons. Or him just snuggling my youngest on his patio…. Rod we love you and Jenny so much. Gone but never forgotten.
Jen I’m so sorry for your loss. Rod was one of a kind. I have such fond memories of him. He always had my back at the Jail and getting together after work was always a blast. He is one of the few people I consider a friend and brother. He will be missed greatly.
I have only The Fondest if memories of this Gentle soul who would lift our spirits Always & made us laugh & smile Rod will be missed dearly
We are sad beyond words that God knew our prayers being unanswered was the best for Rod. Now all prayers are centered on his family, especially Jen. We share in your devastation. There are just no words…
Our whole family was saddened to learn that Rod had passed. We’ve known him most of his life – a neighbor – friend – colleague. A unique man – talented in so many ways. Our sincere condolences to his family and extended family. He will be remembered and missed by so many.
Sincerely, Anita & Karl Bloom; Kristi, Mike and Jenni Kemp
All the scuba memories, docking with Bob C . Rod , I loved you some of my favorite memories of my life were with you my friend. I am crying now so I have to go. Sharpie
We were blessed to spend some amazing time with Jen and Rod (and Donut) when we traveled back to the Rochester area on our way East. When we met Rod for the first time, his easy going, gentle manner quickly put us at ease. Though we had known Hen for many years beforehand, it was like we had always known him as well. His sense of humor and down-to-earth style made you feel very much at home. We were shocked and saddened to learn of his passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with Jen and all of their families. I know in my heart he’s now a Guardian Angel. He took care of us as a Sheriff’s Deputy for many years. It’s only right that he would watch over us from heaven. We are always here for you, Jen! Holding you close in our hearts and prayers.
I’m so sorry. I know the grief of losing your beloved spouse. My thoughts and prayers to you and all the family
Jen, I am so sorry for your loss, your in my thoughts & prayers
So sorry ro hear about Rod’s passing! Family friend.
My deepest sympathy to the entire family. This is such sad news. I have wonderful memories of all of you boys. Please know that you will all be in my prayers.
Sorry for your loss Rusty and Randy our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time.
Jenn and Family,
I am so, so sorry for your loss. Rod was a good guy, he always had a smile and could make you laugh! My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this very difficult time.
My condolences!
I have so many fond memories of Rod. Such a nice man. I never saw him anything but kind. RIP my friend. God bless the Bennett family but especially his wife.