David A. BENNETT

BENNETT, David A. With deep sadness we announce the passing of David A. Bennett on December 27, 2009 after a courageous battle with brain cancer. Dave was born in Kansas on May 26, 1952 where he spent the first eight years of his life in the rolling hills of the Midwest. His family then relocated to Long Island, and later settled in Newington CT, where he has lived ever since. During his high school and college years, Dave was extremely competitive, running track and cross country. In fact, Dave described himself as a one-on-one competitor, and while he didn't like to lose, he also didn't believe in poor sportsmanship. With a mind that worked a mile a minute, a seriously competitive drive, and a witty sense of humor, Dave circulated his way around The Hartford Courant for 34 years, where he ended his career as VP of Circulation. Dave loved his down time, and he especially enjoyed following the stock market, playing poker, horse races at Saratoga, fishing and last but certainly not least, watching the Giants. As much as he loved the Giants, Dave admitted that he actually got more pleasure out of the demise of the Cowboys then the Giants' success. Dave was an unfailing friend. Those who were blessed to know him treasured his thoughtfulness and innate kindness. Dave's greatest trait was his ability to not just listen, but to REALLY listen. He put so much thought into everything he said and did, and always gave everyone in his life the best of him. If you needed advice, Dave was the go to man. He was a beautiful speaker and writer, and those fortunate enough to have received a card from Dave have a gift for a lifetime. But of all the treasures in his life, Dave's family meant most to him. He loved spending time with his wife and three children, all of whom he absolutely adored, at their lake house in New Hampshire. And of course, we can't forget Mavis, their American bull-dog. Dave loved spending time with her too. A devoted husband, father, son and brother, Dave was pre-deceased by his father Walter Bennett, and is survived by his loving wife Barbara (Bo) Shimoda, his children David Bennett of Hebron, Zachary Bennett of Newington, Hannah Bennett of Newington, his mother Fortunee Bennett and his sister Rachele Levy both of Ulster Park, NY, his brother Bruce Bennett and wife Georgette of Southington, his brother Robert Bennett and wife Maia of Littleton, NH, and his sister and brother in-laws, Sandra and Nute Pantano, Shirley and Lou Jasion, Richard and Terrie Shimoda, Robert and Joanne Shimoda as well as several nieces, nephews and many friends. The family will receive friends on Sunday, January 3 at Newington Memorial Funeral Home, 20 Bonair Ave, Newington from 4-8 p.m. A celebration of Dave's life will be held on Monday, January 4 at Grace Episcopal Church, 124 Maple Hill Avenue, Newington at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Barbara Shimoda, 20 Lawton Ave. Newington, CT., 06111, to be held in trust for David's brother Robert Bennett.