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Wayne Bennett Obituary

Wayne Edward Bennett, 71, of Clifton Park, New York, left peacefully with his wife by his side on August 15, 2017. Born February 26, 1946 to Edward F. Bennett and Eleanor I. Bennett, Wayne was a happy child who expressed an early passion for adventure. He was an athlete and outdoorsman who cherished his time working at his maternal grandparent's farm. As a young boy, Wayne dreamed of becoming a New York State Trooper. After graduating from Maple Hill High School, Hudson Valley Community College, and The State University of New York at Albany, Wayne applied to and was accepted as a recruit in the prestigious New York State Police Academy. Following his 1969 graduation with the 115th Basic School Session, Wayne began a career that spanned almost 40 years with the New York State Police. Holding all but three titles in the Uniform Force and Bureau of Criminal Investigation, Wayne prided himself on understanding the needs of his fellow Troopers. In his career, he worked under six New York State Governors, performing detail service for Nelson Rockefeller. Wayne watched communication systems move from teletypes, to fax machines to email, to internet and web-based networks. He celebrated the admittance and graduation of the first female class at the State Police Academy, and watched as they began their careers as Troopers, paving the way for generations of women in law enforcement. He watched his peers work the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid and understood their joy as the Miracle on Ice sparked pride in US citizens. He survived the sobering experience of working Prison detail when the NY State Corrections Officers went on strike and troopers needed to guard those incarcerated. Wayne also worked Thruway detail and witnessed the Woodstock Festival overtake Bethel and its surrounding areas. He lived the life of an undercover investigator interrupting drug trafficking in New York City in the late 1970s. As he rose in rank, Wayne learned how to work with the media and reporters to ensure the integrity of the State Police and the people served by its Troopers. Wayne witnessed the conception, birth and opening of the NY State Forensic Investigation Center. On September 11, 2001, in the aftermath of the 2001 terrorist attacks at the World Trade Center, Wayne responded to the World Trade Center site and coordinated and supervised all NY State Police rescue and recovery operations. Appointed by Gov. George E. Pataki, Wayne retired as Superintendent of The New York State Police and then continued working with the law enforcement community by serving as The Commissioner of Public Safety/Deputy Mayor, under Mayor Gary McCarthy, for the city of Schenectady, New York. There, he worked alongside chiefs of police and fire to support residents of the Electric City. Wayne was a man of unwavering integrity whose vocabulary did not include "assume" or "maybe." He developed several passions in his life outside of law enforcement. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, snowshoeing, and golf. In his younger years, he mastered the art of working with stained glass. However, his greatest joy came from being a father to his daughters and grandfather to his granddaughters. He made cupcakes for his kids, taught them how to fish, change tires, and be master assistants to home improvement projects. He routinely boasted of his children's accomplishments after proudly putting his three daughters through college. Wayne was predeceased by his parents, mother and brother in-law. He is survived by his wife, Patricia E. Bennett; twin sister, Jean (David) Kaercher of Latham, New York; brother, Richard (Carol) Bennett of Rockford, Illinois; and younger sister, Katherine (Edmund) Prescottano of Medfield, Massachusetts. Wayne leaves behind his loving daughters, Margaret, Katherine (Russell Bartlett), and Erin. He leaves a legacy of hard work, commitment, and humor to his granddaughters, Emma Johnson of Littleton, Colorado, Alexandra Bartlett of Tupper Lake, New York, and Charlotte Roberts of Saratoga Springs, New York. Wayne is greatly missed by his father-in-law, Dr. Edward Iandoli; sisters-in-law, Helen (John) Walsh of Skillman, NJ and Mary Bates of Kinderhook, NY. Wayne's smile and "Wayne-isms" will be missed by several nieces, nephews, and friends. The family wishes to extend their deepest thanks to Dr. Lawrence Garbo, Nurse Practitioner Randi Daniels and the entire staff at NYOH. Never a person to wallow in regret, Wayne would ask you to consider the words of President Theodore Roosevelt, "Do what you can, with what you have, where you are." Move on and speak fondly of him. Keep his name and his wishes alive by contributing to your families and communities. Be neighborly and take care of those you love. Those wishing to say farewell to Wayne are encouraged to do so at the NY State Police Academy 1220 Washington Ave. Building 24, Albany, NY on Friday, August 18, 2017 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.. A funeral mass will be held at St. Mary's Church, 10 Lodge St., Albany, NY on Saturday, August 19, 2017 at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that you honor Wayne's memory through a charity of your choice, The 9/11 Memorial and Museum, The American Cancer Society or The New York State Trooper Foundation, 3 Airport Park Boulevard, Latham, NY 12110.

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Published by The Daily Gazette Co. on Aug. 17, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Wayne Bennett

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Vincent Evans. Inv. Retired

August 30, 2017

When I heard about the passing of Superintendent Bennett, I was in total shock. He was truly a genuine, courteous and respectful man that treated everyone with the highest respect. Wayne was at the 75th. anniversary of the NYS Police Scuba Divers September 14/16 2007 and we had dinner together. God bless the Bennett family.

Jennifer Zeigler Gillette

August 23, 2017

condolences for the Russell & Maxine Zeigler family, patti, jenny, jeff and Jill. Wayne was such a kind and gentle man - remember your family fondly from Trinity Lutheran Church! sending healing prayers to all of his family & friends!

Maria Anzalone

August 19, 2017

Trish:
I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

August 18, 2017

Trish and family I am so sorry for your loss Wayne will be greatly missed.

Terry Carter

August 18, 2017

So sorry for your loss. I spoke with Wayne on occasions, and traded State Police patches with him. I very much enjoyed our conversations about the early days of the NY State Police.

Carol Myers

August 18, 2017

My condolences and profound sadness to hear of Wayne's passing. Trish and family my prayers are with you.

Darleen Place

August 18, 2017

The world has lost a decent man.

Mari DeSess

August 18, 2017

Pat, I am so stood to hear about the passing of Wayne. He was a good guy. It was always nice to see the two of you come in when he had an appointment. I wish you peace and solidarity and hope that things look up for you from here. My thoughts will always be with you.
Sincerely, Mari DeSess ( former vascular nurse)

Wendy VanBramer

August 18, 2017

Trish, and the extended Bennett family - Please accept my sincere condolences on the passing of such a wonderful man. The news was shocking, and I pray that God grants you comfort during this most difficult time. May he rest in eternal peace - he did so much in his short time here on earth, now it's time to rest. RIP Superintendent Bennett.

Kevin Daley

August 18, 2017

Kevin Daley

August 18, 2017

Kevin Daley

August 18, 2017

Kevin Daley

August 18, 2017

Kevin Daley

August 18, 2017

Kevin Daley

August 18, 2017

Kevin Daley

August 18, 2017

Kevin Daley

August 18, 2017

Commissioner Wayne Edward Bennett

Kevin Daley

August 18, 2017

N.Y.S.P. Superintendent Wayne Edward Bennett

Kevin Daley

August 18, 2017

Kevin Daley

August 18, 2017

A true leader!

Kevin Daley

August 18, 2017

R.I.P.

Kevin Daley

August 18, 2017

Kevin Daley

August 18, 2017

Here are a few photos of a true leader, a model lawman and most of all a family man. He will be forever missed in the hearts of many. Rest In Peace Wayne Edward Bennett, may you find peace with god as you gave to so many in your short time on earth. God bless..

Brig Gen F David Sheppard

August 18, 2017

So sorry to hear about Wayne's passing. I had the honor and privilege of working with the Superintendent during the post 9/11 response and recovery period. He is a true leader with great accomplishments, and my friend.

Dominick DeCecco

August 18, 2017

Trish, I am shocked by how quickly this all happened and I hope you are coping with it. Wayne was a great guy and treated everyone fairly. Please know that my deepest sympathy goes to you and the family. Love, Dom

Joe Olander

August 17, 2017

Had the honor to have Sgt/SC Bennett as my station commander at SP Loudonville. Highly respected him, as he did his flock. The world would be a better place with more Wayne Bennett's-RIP my friend and God bless your family. Thanks for teaching me !

Kevin Daley

August 17, 2017

When I heard about the passing of Mr. Bennett, I was in total shock. Wayne was truly a genuine, courteous and respectful man that treated everyone with the highest respect. Wayne was always a straight shooter with a heart of gold. He was a master of his field, a mentor and a true leader. The world needs more Wayne Bennett's. I always remember asking him if he was a twin to the late Jackie Gleason, and he would always snicker. My thoughts and prayers are with his family in this tough time.

~What moves through us is a silence, a quiet sadness, a longing for one more day, one more word, one more touch. We may not understand why you left this earth so soon, or why you left before we were ready to say good-bye, but little by little, we begin to remember not just that you died, but that you lived. And that your life gave us memories too beautiful to forget.

God Bless Wayne Bennett and Family.

The Dupuis'

August 17, 2017

May the peace and love of the Lord comfort you and the entire Bennett family.

Don Sager

August 17, 2017

Trish, Margaret, Katherine and Erin
My deepest sympathy to you and your family. I admired and respected Wayne, and also had the good fortune to work with him at Division HQ.One of the good guy's.

Don Sager
Retired Sr,Inv NYSP

August 17, 2017

Jean, so sorry for the loss of your brother.

Mark & Carol Jordan

Robert Wiltsie

August 17, 2017

My condolences to the Bennett family.Many years ago his parents lived in my Grandparents duplex in Castleton and when I would visit the twins Jean and Wayne would running around having a grand time.If I remember correctly his Dad's nickname was Mickey.His parents were very nice people and they always made a fuss over me when I would visit.They certainly would be proud of Wayne and all he accomplished.

Terry O'Neill

August 17, 2017

The newspaper accounts of Wayne's passing carry a number of quotes calling him "no-nonsense." Steady, dignified and classy are words that come to my mind. I first encountered him when I worked on the Second Floor during the administration of Governor Mario Cuomo. Wayne was G Troop Commander at the time and directed security operations for a number of big, boisterous and and pretty passionate demonstrations at the Capitol. Among the most memorable was that of HIV/AIDS activists known as ACT-UP in 1989. I represented the governor's office in reviewing security arrangements involving a number of public safety agencies at a planning meeting at the State Police Academy a couple weeks before the demonstration. I was impressed by his firm command of the situation and the respectful tone he took in ensuring that a rather exotic and fired-up crowd of demonstrators would be able to exercise their First Amendment rights on the occasion. His leadership clearly affected all the participating agencies. He was a true credit to the New York State Police and to the whole fellowship of law enforcement. May he be long remembered and emulated by those who follow in his footsteps.

Andrea & Jose Gilbert

August 17, 2017

Trish,
Our hearts are breaking for you and your family during this time of great sadness and loss. Hold Wayne's love close and the memories you shared even closer. All our love,

Inv Paul Starck

August 17, 2017

I am sorry to hear of wayne's passing. We worked together at NYDETF . May his family receive peace in the knowledge that he is now in heaven. RIP BROTHER!

John Morris

August 17, 2017

I was a class mate of Wayne at HVCC and we spent a lot of time together during our two year college days. He was always a wonderful person and a true friend. His parents and sisters were just a great. The world has lost a great man.

David Christler

August 17, 2017

August 17, 2017
Dear Trish and Family, My most sincere sympathy for your loss. Wayne and I worked for eight years together in Albany and I always admired his strong leadership and great sense of humor. We would often spar on ideology but Wayne was usually right and I learned a great deal from him. You were blessed to have him in your life.
NYSP - Retired

Midge Sawyer

August 17, 2017

Trish and the Bennett family....I am so sorry to hear about Wayne's passing. He was a wonderful person and he was loved by many! The world has lost a great man. HUGS

Linda Van Nederynen

August 17, 2017

To Kay and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. May GOD wrap his arms around you to bring you comfort and strength at this time. Hugs.
Linda Van Nederynen

Linda Lyons

August 17, 2017

My deepest sympathy to Patricia and family in the loss of Wayne. I worked with Wayne at the NYSP.

Jim Hennessey

August 17, 2017

I met Wayne at his 64th birthday celebration at Carrabba's in Latham. I found him to be gregarious, friendly and witty. After I told him I had been with the New York City Police Dept. I asked him how old he was and he quipped that he was the Beatles' age "64". Then Wayne sang a little of When I'm 64. He was a special man and I'm sure he is a special man in Heaven now.

Patricia Villeneuve

August 17, 2017

My sympathies for the family during this difficult time.

Mike McNulty

August 17, 2017

To all of Wayne's Family: I am very sorry for your loss.

Pamela Bullock and Family

August 17, 2017

Ms. Jean and family so sorry for your loss my he rest in peace.

Lynne Earing

August 17, 2017

My condolences to Wayne's family. We grew up and graduated high school together. I was always so proud when I heard of his accomplishments. Last saw and spoke to him at our last class reunion. He and Jean were friends from my childhood. Rest in Peace Wayne.

Jack Van Loan

August 17, 2017

Wayne and I were in the same class at HVCC graduating in 1965. Always knew he was special and had greatness written all over him. God Bless his family.

Ginny Leitch

August 17, 2017

Growing up in Castleton you had the luxury of making life long friends. Wayne was one of those friends. Many a time we would all congregate on the the Bennett front porch, but more than likely you'd find us on the 'Playground' across the street from their house either watching a softball or baseball game, playing on the tennis courts, or simply messing around entertaining ourselves. I'd like to think that some of the Castleton way of life helped Wayne in his career and enabled him to be as successful as he was. He fought a valiant fight until the end. May he rest in peace. Condolences to the entire Bennett family.

Haley Viccaro

August 17, 2017

A beautiful recollection of Wayne's life, filled with accomplishments, integrity and love. He was a great person and a great friend. I'm lucky to have known him, worked with him and laughed with him. He will be greatly missed. My heart goes out to his family and loved ones. Rest in peace.

Jennifer Ziskin

August 17, 2017

Our sincere condolences to Commissioner Bennett's family, friends and colleagues. We had the privilege of knowing The Commissioner when we resided in the City Of Schenectady, and are grateful for his service and dedication.
Peace and many blessings.
Jennifer & Bill Ziskin

Mike Jacobie

August 17, 2017

I knew Wayne many years ago from living in Castleton. My Parents and I knew his Mom and Dad. All great people. The few times we crossed paths later in life, Wayne was quick to say hi, and ask how things were. My sincere condolences.

Shawn Fredericks

August 17, 2017

Rip

Sue Favreau-Menges

August 17, 2017

Trish, I am so sorry for your loss. He was loved and I had the distinct pleasure to work with him starting as my Zone Commander in Troop G all the way up to Superintendent. One couldn't ask for a better supervisor. Bill and I send our love and condolences and pray the holy spirit wraps you with his wings and holds you tight through the coming days and months. Hugs to your dad also. Love and miss you girlfriend. Wish I could be there for the services. Much love and hugs to y'all

chris cazzato

August 17, 2017

To his family I felt I knew Mr Bennett from TV, he seemed like a nice guy,I'm sorry for his loss may god bless

Jim O'Connor

August 17, 2017

Wayne Bennett was a great man, great Superintendent, and a loyal & close friend for over 40 years. I had the honor & privilege to work with and for him during my career with the State Police. He was a man of unwaivering integrity but supremely compassionate when the situation dictated. He was the "best of the best"! I will miss him and his guidance.
Rest in peace my friend.

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