CLARENCE "RUSTY" BENNETT

1928 - 2021

BENNETT, Clarence "Rusty" Math Educator, Family Man and Local Sports Enthusiast Clarence William "Rusty" Bennett, Jr. died peacefully at his home in Belgrade Lakes, ME on October 2, nearly 93 years after arriving on the planet. Born in Kingfield, ME, on October 19, 1928, Rusty grew up in Quincy with his younger brother Frederick "Fred" Louis Bennett, who predeceased Rusty by about seven years. Rusty was married to his beloved wife Edna Louise (Langley) "Mahzo" Bennett for more than fifty years, until her death twelve years ago and they enjoyed many adventures traveling the world together. Rusty was the proud father to eight children, seven of which are living: Kathleen O'Connor and husband Mark; Robert Bennett and wife Martha; John Bennett and wife Katie; Anne Marie Bennett; Peter Bennett (deceased); Patricia Gilson and husband Jeff; Thomas Bennett; and Mary Beth Woodward and husband Dave. He also leaves a dozen beloved grandchildren, and an awesome great-grandchild. Rusty and Edna lived most of their lives in Westwood, MA and Belgrade Lakes, ME, with a decade or so at the Huntington Assisted Living complex in Nashua, NH and several years in Anchorage, AK. Rusty enlisted in the Marines toward the end of World War II, and was stationed at Camp Pendleton, CA. A gifted football player (tight end), he held receiving records for Quincy High School in the 1940's, and went on to play football for a couple colleges while pursuing his degree. He was very proud to attain four higher education degrees: a Bachelor's degree, two Master's degrees and a doctorate - all in Education. He taught high school math and coached football before accepting a position with the State of Maine Department of Education for Mathematics education. He had a long career of teaching Mathematics and Math Education for high schools and several colleges. He worked most summers and claimed that his favorite summer job was as a lifeguard for a beer vat at a brewery in Massachusetts. He and Edna made great friends both locally and from around the world through their travels. They enjoyed playing whist with other couples on a regular basis. Rusty attended many of his children's sporting events and took great pride that sons Jay and Tom were separately elected captains of the Westwood High School football team, with Tom's team winning the state Superbowl for its division. Blessed with a great sense of humor, and despite a strong measure of pride, he never took himself too seriously. He frequently referred to himself as "himself himself... himself." Rusty loved sports and was a total Boston "homer" for the Red Sox, Celtics, Bruins, and his beloved Patriots, where he attended most games in Foxborough during the Pat's lean years. He attended the Red Sox World Series game 1 win in 2004. He played in racquetball tournaments into his 70's. He formed a weekly pick-'em football pool for the family decades ago, and participated weekly with his picks right to the end. Rusty greatly enjoyed life, his family, and his home on Long Pond in Belgrade Lakes, ME. He will be missed by family and friends. For all who wish to pay their respects, a Mass and Service are being held at 11am on Saturday, October 23, 2021, at Saint Margaret Mary's Catholic Church, 845 High St., Westwood, MA 02090, with a cemetery service immediately following in the Old Westwood Cemetery, located on Nahatan St. in Westwood. A luncheon will follow at 12:30pm at the Old Colonial Café, 171 Nahatan St. in Norwood. All vaccinated attendees are invited to attend. A lakeside service in Belgrade Lakes, ME is scheduled for 12 noon on Lakeshore Drive on November 13, with reception at Rusty's favorite local restaurant, the Sunset Grille (the Library). In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to support wounded veterans and their families through the Travis Mills Foundation: www.travismillsfoundation.org

View the online memorial for Clarence "Rusty" BENNETT