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Richard Bennett Obituary
Richard T. Bennett
of Endicott
On July 23, 2008, Judy and Adam lost their beloved husband, father, confidante, advisor and very best friend. Richard (Rich) Bennett, 61, of Endicott, N.Y., left this earth for a better place where he no longer struggles with the pains of cancer. His long battle was courageously fought and now he is at peace. Rich was predeceased by his parents, Mervin and Addie Bennett, Owego; and his in-laws, Mark and Mildred Murtha, Endicott. He is survived by his beloved wife of 31 years, Judy; and his loving and devoted son, Adam. Rich is also survived by his brothers and sisters-in-law, Mick and Diana Murtha, Linda Murtha, Karen and David Morgan, and Bernie and Kelly Murtha; also nieces and nephews, Jenny and Don Walters, Brian and Carrie Murtha, Rya and Andrew Carter, Nick Murtha, Callie Morgan, and Jessica, Erin and Abby Murtha; and great-nieces and nephew, Ben and Addie Walters, and Rylie Morgan Mingle; as well as his puppy, Torre. Rich graduated from Owego Free Academy. He served 4 years in the US Air Force, including a tour of duty in Vietnam. Rich was a postal carrier for the Owego Post Office for 30 years before his retirement in 2003. Rich bowled on the PBA tour for a few years before coming home and bowling in the area classic leagues. Rich promoted and ran the Ideal Open for nearly a decade. It became one of the most prestigious scratch tournaments on the east coast. Most recently, Rich spent his time playing golf and working part-time at Tioga Hills Country Club and Catatonk Golf Course. Rich's life revolved around his family. In late November, 1982, his dream came true – he had a son! For the next 25 years, his wife and son were the center of his life. He devoted hundreds of hours in helping to raise his son, rout for and coach him in baseball and golf, and always was a loving and proud mentor and role model. No father has ever loved or been more proud of his son. Rich was an active member of the VFW Post #1371 and American Legion Post 401 in Owego and the Endicott Elks Lodge #1977. Rich will be dearly missed by his wife, son, family, and many close friends.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, July 26, at 11 a.m. at The First Presbyterian Church of Endicott, 29 Grant Ave., Endicott. The family will receive friends Friday, July 25, 2008, from 5 - 8 p.m. at Estey, Munroe & Fahey Funeral Home, 15 Park Street, Owego. www.emfaheyfuneralhome.com
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Memories and Condolences
for Richard Bennett
Daryl
July 18, 2024
Richie!
Daryl
July 18, 2021
Hey Judy, Prayers sent to you on this day. I can't believe it's been this long. I hope you are doing well.
Cheryl Tiffany
August 10, 2008
Dear Judy and Adam, As I read thru this memoriam I truly felt that Rich has left a legacy. The heartfelt expressions of friends, family and colleagues is a wonderful remembrance of this unforgettable man. Each day I remember one more moment the four of us shared and it brings a smile and a tear. Rich had his two angels on earth loving and taking such tender care of him. Thank you for giving Rich these eight months of true devotion. Bill and I will miss our buddy as he was a special guy who gave us many happy times. (bowling, golfing, Myrtle Beach, state fair, weddings, graduations, just watching our children grow, Ideal Opens, Neil Diamond, "10", and so many many more. How very lucky we have been to have shared with you this remarkable guy. God bless you and Adam and may you be comforted in knowing he is at peace and will be renewed when you meet again. We love you both.....
Kevin & Lisa Hartigan
July 27, 2008
Judy -
Please accept our deepest sympathy. We know Richie fought a courageous battle to the end. He will be greatly missed, but he really enjoyed life and lived it to the fullest. May your many great memories bring you comfort. Love, Kevin & Lisa Hartigan
Rose & Chuck (Cumbo) Leniek
July 27, 2008
Judy & family,
Our deepest sympathy in the loss of your husband. May the many happy memories that you shared keep him close to you always.
Joe Shullek
July 26, 2008
So sorry for the loss of one of the most fair men who has ever walked the planet. He will be missed
Don & Sue Wargo
July 26, 2008
Judy and Adam
our prayers go out to you on hearing of your loss Rich will be missed by all
Al Johnson
July 26, 2008
Judy,
I was so sorry to hear of Rich's passing. We went to OFA together, I "replaced" him at Tioga State Bank when he "went on Tour", played golf with/against him and always enjoyed seeing him around Town. My sincere condolences to you and the Family.
Pam Moyer
July 26, 2008
Adam and Judy - Adam, I feel I need to address this to you, I know what a difficult time this is for you, but you need to know how proud your Dad was of you. He truly thought the sun rose and set on you. Ira and I have such great memories of your Dad and all the good times we had. Remember when your were younger and your parents put the pool in and they held a Fourth of July get-together? You wouldnt get out of the water untill Mom said Adam you need to take a break!!! Your Dad was one of our most beloved friends who helped Ira (and advised) him through many struggles. My most fond memory is that he honored us by being in our wedding. Judy he adored you, bless you and all the years you shared, remember the good times. Take care and my thoughts are with you both.
Fran Bax
July 26, 2008
Judy, Please accept my condolences on Rich's passing. He was a great man, a phenomenal bowler, a wonderful human being, and I am thankful for the privilege and honor of knowing him. Know he is in our prayers and thoughts. God bless you and your family.
Karen (Hartman) Strong
July 25, 2008
I am so sorry for your loss. Rich was a great guy. We lived across the street from him and he and his parents were always so nice to be around.
Don & Sue Wargo
July 25, 2008
Judy & Adam,
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Rich was a great guy and did a lot for the bowling business. He will be greatly missed.
Karen Dymond
July 25, 2008
Please accept our sympathy in your sorrow of Rich's passing.One courageous man in pain no more, God Bless, Friends, Al and Karen Dymond
Debbie Federowicz
July 25, 2008
Judy and Adam
We are so sorry to hear the loss of Richie. We will miss his smiling face at the VFW. We enjoyed helping out with the benefit and was glad that he was able to come. Our thoughts and prayers are with you both.
Jim, Debbie and Kathy
William Young
July 25, 2008
So sad to hear about the loss of Richie. He was a friend to all bowlers.He will truly be missed.My family's prayers are with his family.
July 25, 2008
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. The staff of 1 Ross at Lourdes Hospital
Cheryl (Sullivan) Jacobs
July 25, 2008
Judy, I am so sorry to hear of Rich's passing. May your memories keep you strong during this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. God Bless! (U-E Class of '67)
Dan and Jolynn Serbonich
July 25, 2008
Judy and Adam,
We are so sorry about Rich. May you take comfort in knowing that he is at peace, and out of pain. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. If there is anything at all we can do, please don't hesitate to let us know.
With Deepest Sympathy,
Daryl Savage
July 25, 2008
Dear Judy and family,
I was so sorry to hear that Rich has passed away. Although it has been many years, I have fond memories of all the times we shared together. He will be truly missed, by myself and many others. May God give you the grace to see you through this difficult time.
Daryl and family
Bill and Roxanne Anderson
July 25, 2008
Judy and Adam
Our sincerest sympathy to both of you on your loss. He is now in peace and no longer suffering. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Tony Liberati
July 25, 2008
Judy,
So sorry to hear of Rich's passing. Our thoughts & prayers are with you and your family.
Tony & Anne Marie Liberati
Mary and Howard Simonson
July 25, 2008
Judy and Adam,
We are deeply saddened to hear of Rich's passing. He was a wonderful man, great dad, loving husband. We'll miss his sense of humor and his special ways of showing his love for his family and friends. He was so good to Ryan and all the boys on the baseball teams. I think we'll miss his parts in the the High School and Legion times the most.
We are so thrilled that you were able to be with us for a bit in Myrtle
Beach. Please come back whenever you're ready! We are so sorry we cannot be there to be with you in this difficult time. But believe that our sincerest sympathies and prayers are with you both, and we do believe he is now resting in a place away from any pain and sorrow.
Love, Mary and Howie
Jack and Mary Ann Kalb
July 25, 2008
Dearest Judy and Adam, There are no words that can truly say how deeply sadden Jack and I are for your loss. You and I both know how important Rich was in Jack's life and I know he is going to feel that void forever. You can't be friends with someone for so long and then have to say Good Bye. That is the one shining grace is that Jack got to say
Good Bye, even though it was so very difficult. I do know that you both know we are here for you Always. With Much Sympathy and Love .
Jack and Mary Ann Kalb
July 25, 2008
Dearest Judy and Adam, There are no words that can truly say how deeply sadden Jack and I are for your loss. You and I both know how important Rich was in Jack's life and I know he is going to feel that void forever. You can't be friends with someone for so long and then have to say Good Bye. The one shining grace is that Jack got to say Good Bye, even though it was so very difficult. You both know we are here for you Always. With Much Sympathy and Love .
Katy Hilker Walker
July 24, 2008
Your fond memories will be with you forever. Thoughts & prayers go out to the family. I was Rich's classmate, fellow bowler & neighbor year's ago. A special guy who will always be remembered!!!
Tom, Kathy, Mike, Dan and Matt Brearley
July 24, 2008
Judy and Adam - We are so sorry to hear of Rich's passing. May your wonderful memories help you through this most difficult time of your lives. We are all thinking of and praying for you both. With deep sympathy for your loss of a wonderful husband and dad,
Jeanie Bevan-Bennett
July 24, 2008
Rich sat in front of me throughout our school years. He was always ready with a quick smile. May your many memories bring you comfort. We are all blessed to have known such a wonderful person.
LAURIE VINSEVICH
July 24, 2008
JUDY & ADAM:
SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS.
THE VINSEVICH FAMILY (RENEE MATARESE'S SISTER)
Fran Dunbar
July 24, 2008
Judy and Adam
I grew up, graduated with Rich, and lived next door to his dad Merv. I enjoyed running into him as he always put as smile on my face and quickened my step. He was one of my favorite Owego personalities. I was so proud to say I knew him when he was bowling in the PBA as I thought he helped put Owego on the map. Our thoughts and prayers are with you both. We are very sorry for your loss.
Fran and Sandy Dunbar
chuck pribulick
July 24, 2008
Our prayers and love reaches out to you Judy and family. Rich was a very special type of person that always help other in need. He always was interested in things that other people were doing and really cared too. He had a real nice sence of humor too. May the LORD give the love you need at this.
Chuck & Janet Pribulick
Gene & Laura Pastrick
July 24, 2008
Judy,
We are very sorry for your loss. Our hopes and prayers are with you. He is now at peace and without pain. At least we can be grateful for that. It's times like this that make the miles much longer between us and home.
Rick Crawford
July 24, 2008
Judy,please accept my deepest sympathies for your loss. Rich was a friend and I enjoyed bowling and golfing with him.
Nancy Jones
July 24, 2008
Judy and Adam,
Sending you my deepest sympathy. I am out of town, so won't be able to come to calling hours. Wish I could. My heart aches for you both. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
Nancy Jones
Jim Schmidt
July 24, 2008
Judy and Adam I was deeply moved to hear of Rich's passing. Many are saying he may be better off I hope so for both of you and Adam. Rich and I have know each other from childhood. Played a lot of summer baseball at Nick Raftis field in Owego with him and others. Bowled, played golf and partied with him. What a great guy. Again my sympathies.
Larry Wilkes
July 24, 2008
I am very sorry for your loss, Rich was the greatest! My prayers are with you during this time of sorrow.
Samantha Cramer
July 24, 2008
Judy and Adam,
We are so sorry to hear about your loss. Our deepest sympathy.
Jim, Samantha and Powell
Linda (Wood) Moreland
July 24, 2008
I am very sorry for your loss. He is now free of pain. You are all in my prayers.
Dave & Kris Marcocci
July 24, 2008
Dear Judy and Adam,
Our hearts are sorrowful and our prayers go out to you both to ask God to help ease the void Rich's leaving has left behind. Judy, the love and devotion you two as a couple showered upon each other was an inspiration to all. Rich will be so deeply missed at the club and I hope he's warming up the karaoke mic with the angels for when we all meet again. God Bless.
Ideal Lanes
July 24, 2008
Judy & Adam, We are sorry to hear about the loss of Richie. He fought a battle to the end and never gave up. Great times were had by all at the Ideal Open. We always said he put Endicott on the map. He will be greatly missed in the postal, bowling, golf and all his other endevours along the way. If there is anything we can do please feel free to call. Helen and Jack Rosencrance
Kerri Fox
July 24, 2008
Dear Bennett Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my prayers.
Ryan Bradley
July 24, 2008
Adam and Judy,
I have to say that I feel blessed to know Rich and be on the receiving end of his passion for our sports and our lives growing up. I will certainly miss the occasional visit and round of golf when he'd head south to enjoy retirement, good weather, and most of all his family.
I am deeply sorry for the pain and loss that you are enduring, and please don't hesitate to ask for anything, from myself or the rest of my family.
Ryan
Cindy Lee
July 24, 2008
Judy and Adam, We are so sorry to hear about Rich's passing. We know he is in a better place. We will never forget the great times at all the Ideal Opens, it was such a great tournament and hugh success. Also all the bowling trips and parties and golf - bowls. We will always have those fond memories. Richie always had a smile on his face and a great sense of humor and not to mention all his traveling stories. He will be greatly missed in the bowling community, as well as his family. If there is anything we can do please don't hesitate to call. Cindy Lee and Mike Casiuk
Bob Anderson
July 24, 2008
Judy, I was very saddened to hear the news of Rich's passing. He was a mentor, a friend, and inspiration to me for many years. The memories I have of traveling and bowling with Richie will be with me for the rest of my life.
Steve Newman
July 24, 2008
Judy and Adam,
Richie will surely be missed, he was a driving force in the bowling community for years. It was always a pleasure to be around Richie. Please know that you are both in my thoughts and prayers.
Gini Johnson
July 24, 2008
What can we say? We are all very saddened for the loss of our dear friend, Rich. We will never forget all the good times together at baseball games and tournaments, the Legion and VFW, as well as the quiet nights on the back porch! We did have some good times, our friend!
Rich loved life and loved to share time with friends and family. Rich never had a friend he didn't meet and always made you feel that you were special to him.
I will remember Rich always on the golf course, enjoying a cigar and driving the heck out of the ball, as he loved to do.
Please know that we will grieve with you and hold you in our hearts and prayers.
In deepest sympathy,
Gini & Gary Johnson
Tom Matarese
July 24, 2008
Judy, I feel I can speak for the whole Matarese family to let you know how sorry we all are to lose Rich and to let you know that we will be there for you and Adam. Our sincere condolences.
Peggy & Phil Hathaway
July 24, 2008
Judy & Adam
Rich lived life to it's fullest - we will always remember his great sense of humor and all the great things he did for everyone. Remembering the good times will help you at this sad time in your lives. God Bless!
Carmen Applegarth
July 24, 2008
My prayers and thoughts go out to you all. I will surely miss him at the VFW in Owego. Richard was always so kind pleasured to be around. Many memories of talking to him about golf.
Michael Siglin
July 24, 2008
Judy and Adam,
Very sorry for your loss. Over the past five years, I have known Rich and enjoyed his company on the golf course, both locally and in Myrtle Beach. He had a fantastic personality and was always Smiling and Positive. I will certainly cherish the memories that I had with Rich. Judy, you are a Tower of Strength. Adam, you are a fantastic young man, both with your courage and strength. If there is anything that I can do for you and your Mom both now and in the future, please don't hesitate to contact me. I will miss my friend Rich, but I know that he is in Heaven and not in pain anymore.
Your Friend,
Mike Siglin
Kathy, Jim and Mitchell Roberts II
July 24, 2008
We are heartbroken to hear about Richie. As our tears are falling we remember the great times, especially when we met up with you both in Las Vegas. Jimmy will always cherish the many golf outings with Richie. May you find comfort in your family and friends during this very difficult time.
Rick Clark
July 24, 2008
To the Bennett family:
I bowled with and knew Rich for several years. I am very sorry to hear of your loss.
Rick Clark
Eileen Reynolds-Parker
July 24, 2008
Richie, Florida cousins just want you to know Judy and Adam that you are in our thoughts and prayers. I am sure Aunt Addie and Uncle Mervin were waitting for their beloved son. take care , Love Eileen (Dutch) and Janet Lord.
John Bertoni
July 24, 2008
Judy,I am so sorry to hear about your loving husband . Through God's strength we get through these times and get to remember the wonderful life you and your son had with Richard.
Sally (Fitzpatrick) Dyer
July 24, 2008
Judy and Adam,
I am so very sorry for your loss. Please know that you are both in my thoughts and prayers.
Love,
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