Livonia: At age 87, Richard “Dick” Bennett passed peacefully on March 28, 2024 at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, NY. He was born on April 14, 1936 in Groveland, NY to the late George and A. Gertrude (Hendershott) Bennett. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his first wife Juanita Bennett, brother Ronald Bennett, and son Rodrick Bennett. Survived by his wife Suzanne (Schlegel) Bennett; his sons, Rick (Laurie) Bennett, Rusty (Sharon) Bennett, Randy (Anna) Bennett, and Russell (Suzanne) Bennett; step-children; Colleen (Jeff) Drake, Darlene (Sam) Bozzett, Tammy (Daryl) Lemon, and Jennifer Coffey (Ryan); also survived by many grandchildren & great-grandchildren; daughter-in-law Jennifer Bennett, several step-siblings, nieces and nephews.
Dick was born and raised in the thriving metropolis of Groveland Station, surrounded, always, by family. As Juanita was told while she was dating Dick, “Don’t ever say anything bad about the Bennetts, everyone here is related to them”, a fact that was often revisited on many trips through the cemetery on Groveland Hill. He grew up making mischief and having fun with his younger brother, Ron, and bonding over their shared love of cars. Following the sudden, difficult passing of their father, when Dick was 14, their mother eventually remarried to Clarence House, and for the first time in Dick’s life, he gained a wonderful step-family. Dick graduated high school in Geneseo in 1954, having run track and played football for several years.
Dick married Juanita in 1956, with whom he spent 52 years. They raised 5 boys in the house he built on Big Tree Road. He had many jobs to provide for his family, including as a mechanic in Avon, driving an enormous truck building the Niagara Falls Power Station, and a decades-long career at Gleason Works in Rochester working with their gear-cutting machines. Through his position at Gleason Works, he traveled to such exotic places as Detroit, the UK, Germany, and Belgium. In his time at home, he was often found helping his neighbors and others who called on him in their time of need. He was also, for a time, a member of the Civil Defense.
When his boys were nearly all grown, he took on the challenges presented by the Livonia Volunteer Fire Department. As a Life Member, Dick spent decades in active service, which eventually led to his position as Livingston County Fire Commissioner. His time spent training, fighting fires, and spending time at the firehouse made the Fire Department a large, greatly loved, part of the second half of his life.
He treasured his time with his family. While his time with his sons wasn’t as plentiful as he may have wished, he was able to coach Little League baseball and find the time to go to their games, concerts, parades, and other events when he could. One of his greatest regrets was not being able to spend more time with his children when they were young. As his boys began to have families of their own, he also loved his grandkids. He was known to joke that “If I knew how much fun the grandkids would be, I would have had them first.” He enjoyed the time spent with them, and spoiling them, for the rest of his life.
Following the loss of Juanita, through which he relived the heartbreak of losing his father, he spent a few difficult years living with a palpable sadness. In time, he grew closer to and eventually married the second love of his life, Suzanne. For the second time in his life, he gained a wonderful step-family. His expanding love for his new daughters and a trove of grandchildren and great-grandchildren were an additional source of joy for him throughout the rest of his life. As Dick loved and was loved by his new step-family, so was Sue by the sons and grandchildren she gained. Dick and Sue were able to share over a decade together, full of happiness that Dick could never have seen coming, for which he was truly blessed.
Altogether, Dick Bennett could be described by his many friends and family as a good, hardworking, loving man, who will be dearly missed.
A Memorial Service to Celebrate Dick’s Life will be held at 11 AM on Wednesday, April 10th, at the Lakeville United Church of Christ, 5687 Big Tree Road, Lakeville, NY with Fireman’s Honors. Burial will be held privately at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Geneseo, NY. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Livonia Fire Department, PO Box 151, Livonia, NY 14487. To send a condolence or share a memory please visit: www.doughertyfuneralhomes.com
So sorry to hear of Mr. Bennett’s passing, he truly was a marvelous man. Memories of chats at basketball games or just bumping into him on occasion, always smiling and happy. He lived a very, very good life, and raised a wonderful family. Consider it a blessing knowing all of his sons, as they all have grown into remarkable people equal to their own father (and mother). Rick, Rusty, Randy, and Russ my heart goes out to you and your families. Take care and take heart, your Dad has moved onto a much better place now.
Dear Sue and Family,
My sincere sympathy, Sue. I hope you find comfort in the days ahead in time spent with your family and friends here at Lakeville Village. Dick and you have been such wonderful, kind, caring neighbors. God bless you.
Peace to your heart.
Lou
Randy . My thoughts and prayers are with your family during this time of loss. Your family will now carry on your Dad’s legacy as he shared it with all of you. God Bless and be well!
I miss Richard (Dick). He helped me with traffic control at several emergency scenes. He and I had a way of communicating without portable radios, flags or any other equipment. We were just on the same wave length I guess. Cathy and I also enjoyed crossing paths with Richard and Sue at local restaurants and always were able to laugh together.
We offer our condolences to the whole family.
Rob Dewey–Livonia Fire Dept.
My deepest condolences to your Rusty and all your family. It’s tough losing one’s father no matter what age we are.
I always loved Dick and our time at the Firehouse and fighting fires! I’m sorry Sue, I am out of town and will not be able to make the service for Dick! Our thoughts and prayer are with you!!
Dick was a great friend ready to help any one out. Dick was one of my drivers when I was on ambulance. I could depend on him to show up when we had a call. He will be missed. God bless him.
My sympathy to Sue and the rest of the Bennett family. I knew Dick from the Fire Dept. and he was always such a fun guy and took such wonderful care of Juanita with her sister. I remember the first Fire Dept. banquet my husband and I went to and we had the fortune of sitting at the table with Dick and Juanita. Dick was so welcoming and after that he was always the most congenial man I knew no matter where I ran into him. The Fire Dept., Livonia, Lakeville UCC, the rest of his world has lost a good and loving man. My condolences to Suzanne and the rest of his family.
Thinking of you at this time Rick and Lorie and the family. Kathleen DAngelo
Dear Sue and family,
I know how much my parents, Rae and El Long, loved living across the street from you. I always felt like a loved friend or family member around Dick. I think I taught a Bennett boy or two at LCS back in the 1970’s.
I wish I could be there to celebrate Dick’s life, but please know that I have you all in my heart and prayers.
Love,
Judy Long
To the Bennett family I am so sorry for your loss..what a great man. He always had a smile on his face and always made me smile.
I am so incredibly sorry for Dick’s family. I will miss cutting his hair every 4 weeks. He had so many memories he loved to share with me. The Love between he and Sue inspired us all! God Bless you Dick. And God Bless Sue??????
Randy, Rick, Rusty and Russell and families, very sad to read of you Dad’s passing. Mr Bennett was a very good man, Dad, husband and friend, as well as an excellent neighbor. My prayers and best thoughts are with you.
So very sorry for your loss prayers for you all
My heart and thoughts are with your entire family. I enjoyed having some of the bright and entertaining Bennett’s during my tenure at Livonia. ??
Dear Sue and family,
I’m so sorry to learn of your lose of Richard. He was a nice and kind man. My deepest sympathy to you. JoAnn Coultry
My deepest sympathy to the Bennett family, Richard was a dedicated livonia community member, his involvement in our town will always be appreciated.
My heartfelt condolences to Richard’s family. And special sympathy to Rusty, Rick , Randy and Russell. For whom I knew from Livonia Central . So sorry!
Susan n family I’m sorry for your loss of Richard Bennett he was a great Guy and friend n a member of Our church family together n he will be missed Dearly. Love you n praying for you and family.