Obituary of Richard J. Bennett, Sr,

Richard J. Bennett, Sr., age 68, of Putnam, died Saturday, January 28, 2006, in the Haven Health Care, Danielson, after a three year battle with cancer. He was born in Putnam on March 16, 1937, son of the late Frederick and Helen (Lepine) Bennett. He was employed at the Sarasota Memorial Hospital, Sarasota, FL in Central Sterile Supply, he retired in 2002 due to poor health. He also had worked for many years at the Day Kimball Hospital as the material manager, and at VP Central Copy - Pauquette Stationery in Southbridge, MA. He had made his home in Putnam most of his life, moving to Florida for twelve years, returning to the area in 2002. He served in theUS Navy from 1954 to 1958 aboard the USS Woodson, a Destroyer Escort. He was a communicant of ST Mary of the Visitation Church. He was a former president of the Putnam Little League and was active with the Cub Scout Pack 24, a former member of the Knights of Columbus and an avid New York Yankees fan. He leaves one daughter: Sandra Klein of Putnam, two sons: Richard Bennett, Jr. of Putnam; David Bennett of Pomfret, his former wife: Claire Bennett of Putnam, his grandchildren: Lynn and Angela Bennett; Brian, Rebecca and Christina Leon; Mark Klein, Jr.; Jacob and Nichole Bennett; two nephews. He was predeceased by a daughter: Linda Bennett, a brother: Wilfred Bennett, four sisters: Lillian, Diana, Sr Rita Mary, and Lena. A Mass of Christian Burial will be Wednesday at 10:30 am at ST Mary Church Of The Visitation, 218 Providence Street, Putnam. Calling Hour Wednesday from 9:00 to 10:00 am at the Smith & Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove Street, Putnam. Burial in ST Mary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in his memory to the Jimmy Fund, 1 Harvard St. Brookline, MA, 02146 or the American Cancer Society, 238 West Town Street, Norwich, CT 06360. To share a memory with the family, Light a Candle at www.smithandwalkerfh.com