Richard (Dick) M. Bennett
Meriden - Richard (Dick) M. Bennett, 77, beloved husband of 57 years to the late Rosemary (Cirillo) Bennett died after a courageous battle with cancer on Monday February7, 2011 at the Village at Kensington Place. He was born March 9, 1933 in Meriden a son of the late Laura Sargeant and Frank and Harriet (Ellison) Bennett. Dick proudly served his country in the U.S.Navy during the Korean Conflict. He graduated from General Motors Institute with a degree in engineering and worked for Pratt & Whitney Aircraft for more than 30 years, retiring in 1994. He was a lifelong resident of Meriden until he and his wife retired to Ft.Myers, FL. While there he was an active member at McGregor Baptist Church and was involved extensively with volunteering in the church and community. Dick is survived by three daughters; Karen Zealor of Wallingford, Tammy Borchet of Meriden and Tracy (Fred) Andrulat of Wallingford six grandchildren, Zachary, Rachel, Richard and Christopher and Christina and Alec, a brother Raymond (Rita) Bennett of California, brothers and sisters-in-law, Lillian Ianuzzi, Paul Cirillo, BettyJane(Edward) Asplund, Ceil Cirillo, Frank (Elizabeth) Cirillo and Esther Cirillo, a foster son, Brian Spak as well as several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by two brothers, Walter and Frank Bennett and a brother-in-law, John Cirillo. A funeral will be held on Friday, February 11, 2011 at 10 am at the First Baptist Church of Wallingford, 114 North Main St., Wallingford. The Rev. Bruce Sandy will officate. Everyone is asked to go directly to the church. Burial will be at the convenience of the family. Relatives and friends may call at the Beecher & Bennett-Flatow Funeral Home, 48 Cook Ave., Meriden on Thursday (TODAY) from 4:30pm to 7:30pm. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the First Baptist Church of Wallingford, Richard and Rosemary Bennett Scholarship Fund, 114 North Main St., Wallingford, CT 06492.
Dick and Rosemary were very special friends. We had lots of fun with them on cruises and many other church activities. They were very busy with volunteering around the church. They were also busy visiting others and sharing the Gospel of their Lord. We will miss them but will get to spend eternity with them. Our Sympathy and Prayers Terry & Virginia
Tammi-My sincere condolences on the loss of your dad. He was so fortunate to have the support of such a loving family during this rough time. Your memories of him will be with you forever. Be well.
To Tammy and Family, My sincere condolences. I believe that our departed loved ones live on in our hearts. Be Safe, Be well, Fred E Lev
We were saddened to lose such nice Golfview neighbors as Dick and Rosemary. God is sure to find a special place for them as they helped so many people through their volunteer charity work.Blessings to the Bennett family.
The passing of my brother Dick has brought back a lot of memories for me, some going back almost 75 years. Many of the best memories involve our good times with Dick and Rosemary and especially their three daughters, my nieces. It was an exceptional family and always a fun time with them. In the past three years I have been greatly impressed by how his daughters have responded to their parents’ serious health problems, doing everything they could to care for them and keeping a positive attitude. It was inspiring to see this extending into the next generation, with Dick’s grandchildren showing their obvious love for him in his time of trouble and helping him in any way they could. Mixed with the sadness for our loss is our knowledge that Dick really had a great life and enjoyed it to the end.
To the Andrulat, Zealor and Borchert Familites, I am so sad to learn of the loss of such a caring and wonderful man. May all the love and support he has given you over the years bring you comfort during this difficult time.
To the Bennett family So very sorry to hear about Dick’s passing. I have very fond memories of playing volleyball with Dick at the Meriden YMCA. To Karen, my volleyball buddy and friend, my thoughts are with you and your family, Marie Merrill Augsberger
To the Bennett family. I was sorry to hear of Dicks passing. Dick was my supervisor at Pratt for many years. He was a great person. He will be missed by many.
Tracy so sorry for your loss . hope you and Fred are doing ok.
Dick and I were close friends as classmates in Meriden’s public schools, often in the same home room. We also played in Meriden sports’ leagues while in High School in basketball and fast-pitch industrial league softball. After graduation in 1951, our paths diverged. We re-connected at the 50th High School Reunion. Subsequently we met several times and enjoyed the generous hospitaltiy of Dick and Rosemary in their Ft. Myers home. There we attended Church with Dick in his Sunday School Adult Class. They also visited with us in our then-PA home while they were returning south after a northern visit. We got to know their 3 daughters and admire the loving support they provided to their parents during the past 18 months. We honor and cherish the very dear memories of Rosemary and Dick.