Richard Bennett

Richard F. Bennett, 78, of Malden Rd. Mattydale, died Monday at home following a lengthy battle with lung cancer. He was born on June 7, 1927 in Clinton, NY, to the late Harold and Margaret Bennett. He attended Onondaga Valley Academy and was a WWII Army veteran. He served in Nuremberg, Germany during the war crime trials.
Rich retired in 1994 after 51 years in the Advertising and Dispatch Departments of the Syracuse Herald Journal. That is where he met his wife Janet who also worked there for 14 years. He was a life member and past Chief of the Hinsdale Volunteer Fire Department and also served on the board of Fire Commissioners of its fire district. He was a member of the American Legion. An avid Syracuse University, Cicero little league and CNS Northstars fan, he continued to attend every event involving his cherished granddaughters, even in his final days.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother Harold Bennett Jr. in 1970. He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, the former Janet Koelling, a son Michael Bennett of Mattydale, his daughter Laurie Witz of Cicero, three precious granddaughters who were the greatest joys of his life, Elise, Kaelyn and Jillian Witz all of Cicero, he is also survived by his sister Elinor Adams of Port Orange, a brother-in-law Richard and Anne Koelling of California, 8 nieces and nephews, Judi Romano and Robert Adams of Florida, Georgia Bennett-Hafner and Carrie Bonacci of Cicero, Richard, Steven, Christopher Koelling and Karen Kiger all of California along with two special friends Carol and Mike White of Clay.
Friends may call from 4 to 7 pm on Wednesday at the Krueger Funeral Home 2619 Brewerton Rd. Mattydale. The funeral service will follow at 7 pm at the funeral home and will be officiated by Rev. David Derby of Malden Rd. United Church of Christ. Friends are welcome to join the family at the Hinsdale Fire Department immediately following the services in celebration of his life. Burial will be 1 pm Thursday in North Syracuse Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in Richard?s memory to the Hinsdale Volunteer Fire Department 113 Malden Rd. Mattydale, NY 13211 or the Malden Rd. United Church of Christ 108 Malden Rd. Mattydale, NY 13211.