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HARRY BENNETT Obituary
Harry R. Bennett
(1919-2012)
Award-winning painter and illustrator Harry R. Bennett, formerly of Ridgefield, Connecticut, died early Thursday, November 29, 2012 from complications of pneumonia at The VA Medical Center in Baltimore, MD. He had lived with his daughter, Pamela Bennett and wife Margaret Shean in Towson, Maryland.
Mr. Bennett was a commercial artist when he enlisted in the Army in November, 1940. He graduated from the Infantry Officer Candidate School in May 1942. Major Bennett was a veteran of the Hollandia operation, in which Gen. Douglas MacArthur's forces cut off the entire Japanese 18th Army, and in which Major Bennett himself won the Bronze Star.
In 1945, Mr. Bennett married Margaret Shean in Ridgefield, CT, where they lived until 1985. His wife encouraged him to follow his passion for painting. He attended The Art Institute of Chicago and The American Academy of Art Chicago. He would use his family and neighbors as models for over 1000 book covers and illustrations over the years.
Mr. Bennett was best known as an internationally published illustrator who painted large scale covers for the big publishers of the paperback industry at the time including, Simon and Schuster, Western Printing and Avon Press. He painted covers for various authors including Jude Deveraux, Mary Stewart, Phyllis Whitney, and Victoria Holt. He also illustrated the first paperback edition of Mario Puzo's "The Godfather".
He was awarded a bronze metal by The New York Society of Illustrators for the ink paintings he created to illustrate a boxed collectors' edition of Dante's "Divine Comedy," published in 1966, in which he was granted him a one man show at The New York Public Library.
In 1986, Mr. Bennett retired from commercial work and traveled out West, settling in Astoria, OR, where his work continues to be exhibited. Jeannine Grafton, director of the RiverSea Gallery, remembers Bennett as a passionate, enthusiastic artist with a "youthful zest for life."
Harry was compassionate, warm and always interested in engaging with new people. Teri Sund, who was a good friend of Mr. Bennett's and helped run RiverSea Gallery before opening her own gallery, recalls, "He was the most honorable and graciously sincere human I have ever had the privilege to know. When Harry was in the room, their were no worries, we all felt safe and cared for when he was around."
Harry had a strong work ethic, and always wanted to be painting or preparing for a painting. He was a great mentor to young artists, including his daughter Deborah and Thomas who are also painters.
In 2008, he and his wife moved to Towson, MD.
In addition to his wife of 67 years, Margaret Shean, he is survived by two daughters, Deborah Bennett of Atlanta and Pamela Bennett of Towson and three sons, Harry Bennett Jr. of Canyon Country, CA, Michael Bennett of West Palm Beach, FL and Thomas Bennett of Brooklyn, NY, eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Private memorial services will be arranged and announced in Ridgefield, CT.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for HARRY BENNETT
Sponsored by Tom Bennett.
Tricia P
November 26, 2025
Thinking fondly of all the Bennetts, and remembering Harry, Margie, & Pam.
Leili
November 26, 2024
Love you, Grandpa! I have two pictures by my bedside: one is a litte drawing you made of me when I was four, licking an ice cream cone, with the inscription: "One ice cream cone a day and no more". The other is a blustery day on Cannon Beach together when I was 27. I like that you're still nearby. I've come to love this part of the country the way you did, and still think about those wet walks we used to take on that crooked trail near your house.
Tom Bennett
February 6, 2023
Tom Bennett
February 6, 2023
Tom Bennett
February 6, 2023
You were a bright star in so many lives, dad. Love you forever.
Deborah Besharat
November 26, 2022
It's been almost 10 years since you passed away, but you'll always be in my heart. I miss you, dear Dad.
Deborah Bennett
November 26, 2022
It's been almost 10 years since you passed away, but the memory of you will always be in my heart. I miss you, dear Dad.
December 16, 2013
My Dad was a great artist, a friend to strangers, a mentor to the young, and I had the privilege to caddy and play golf with him. My most memorable times with him was when late in the day he would leave his studio, find me in the confines of our large Main Street house and say, "Let's go to the Golf Course". We'd hit some balls on the range then play a few holes until the sun set. Dad always said, "Isn't that a beautiful sunset." It was always beautiful with Harry Sr. Miss you Dad. - Harry Jr.
Holly Norton
December 9, 2013
Harry left an indelible mark on me when I was just 4 years of age. My parents, Jeff and Nancy Norton, had known him for a very long time...since they were in their teens. My Mom did some modeling for Harry, for Bantam books. That is my mother Nancy on the cover of, “Michael's Wife,” by Maryls Millhiser. Both my father and mother, as young budding artists, received priceless advice on the art of illustration. We visited Harry's BIG house in Ridgefield, CT, in 1983. There were paintings of his on all the walls of the house, room after many room. He also had an enormous amount of Bantam paperback books in his outdoor shed, up to the ceiling. He was the kindest soul, and made me and my parents feel right at home. He took me up to a room which held many paintings, I had to follow his steps closely to avoid getting lost in all those rooms! He told me to choose a painting for myself, and I chose the painting to the book, “The Phantom Surfer,” because I loved all the deep blue in that ocean in the painting. He signed it, “for Holly, a most beautiful child.” Later that evening, he introduced me to Fig Newtons, which I had never had before. He smiled that I liked them so much. He had a beautiful, genuine, honest smile. He found such simple pleasure in sharing. He was so hospitable to us. He had a really big laugh, and my father could get him really roaring! He loved Grapenuts for breakfast, which he ate out of a big baker's mixing bowl. I will always cherish the memories of meeting him, and I know he's Home. Because everywhere he went, we all felt like we were at home. Thank you, Harry, and God Rest your one-of-a-kind, gentle soul!! We love you!!
Nancy Norton
December 9, 2013
It has been a whole year since my friend Harry Bennett stepped into Heaven.
We miss you Harry; we love you, too.
Blessings and love to your family.
I will never forget this kind and gentle man.
Harry, you helped me to overcome my doubts about my ability as an artist. So many visits with you we would talk about art and life. You, Jeff and I were always on the same wave length about life and things. I am sorry I lost track of where you were, these past few years.
Jeff has kept your last show's post cards. Every once in a while he will take them out just to look at them and remember you.
You had meant so much to us both.
Harry, I think you would like what I am doing, now. Thank you for being my friend. When I get to Heaven, I will know it is you when I see that big kind smile on your happy face. None like you. I have kept the photos you took of me when i modeled for you many years ago. A grand memory of times shared with you, Harry.
Meet me in Heaven near the rainbows and jasper. Until then, I will miss you. Good bye my friend. Nancy Hood Norton
Harry Bennett in his studio
October 23, 2013
Jeff Norton
July 4, 2013
June 2013. Just now, I was told Harry passed. I felt a spiritual breeze upward. The wind left my sails. I had talked and visited with Harry as much as possible. Visits were always a great gift. Last year was our last earthly talk and by phone. He was less energetic but his great personality and perceptivity were ever strong. I told him a joke and he roared. Then the phone disconnected. I phoned back but the line was unresponsive. His family was setting up a skype. I wrote soon after. Frank Llyod Wright said "youth is a quality and if you have it, you'll never lose it." Harry will always have his treasures and now his immortal rewards. Thank you Harry for being a friend and a truth, hope and love. I'll see you soon enough. Then no more good-byes. Jeff
Corinne Ricciardi
January 22, 2013
Harry Bennett, the artist, revealed the soul of the subjects of his portraits. Harry Bennett,lived a life of passion for people, place, and for his art. My sense of self changed forever the day he walked into my gallery. I will never forget him and will always love him.
Tricia Patterson
December 16, 2012
Uncle Harry was a one of a kind talent, and a one of a kind man with great heart. The world could use many many more like him. What a positive difference he has made in the world. And in my world.
Stephen Clifford
December 16, 2012
Mr. Bennett was such a warm, fun-loving and compassionate man that no words (I can write) can possibly capture how much I benefited from knowing him. He undoubtedly also enhanced the lives of many others. One of those rare individuals who touched my life in a way that leaves me humbled to be able to say I knew him, Harry Bennett was truly a blessed man.
Michael Roth
December 15, 2012
My fondest memory of him was visiting him in Baltimore a few years back. He and my son Brad went into their own world of art and ideas.. he connection was amazing and Uncle Harry enjoyed every second of it!
Faye Cavenas
December 14, 2012
My best memories of Grandpa Harry were when he used to draw caricatures of me every year on my birthday when I was little. These drawings showed a sense of humor and down-to-earth side to such a talented artist. Now I enjoy looking at his beautiful paintings on my walls each day. I love you Grandpa.
Deborah Bennett
December 13, 2012
Dad was a brave man in WWII, and a talented man who was one of the foremost illustrators of his time. He was a fine artist of artistic integrity who could tell you the formulas of the old masters, often ground his own paint, and had a lifelong interest in experimenting with different techniques.
But what people remember most fondly about Dad is what a kind man he was, modest about his own work, and generous with his time and knowledge.
As for me, when I think of my father, I'm twelve years old again, going out painting together on vacations at Cape Cod, and being as happy as I could be.
Harry Bennett in his studio, Ridgefield Ct
Deborah Bennett
December 13, 2012
Bruce Stanley Willenbring
December 13, 2012
Brimming with talent, compassionate toward everyone and full of delight and humor, Harry Bennett was one of the most genuine persons I ever met. I am grateful to have known him.
Harry R. Bennett, RIP
December 13, 2012
My father was an incredibly thoughtful man who truly walked his own path. His life story is truly remarkable. He had the rare insight to support and accept a person as he or she was, with the encouragement necessary to promote a confidence in that individual's growth.
Leili Besharat
December 10, 2012
Beyond being a spectacularly gifted artist, Grandpa was an unusually sensitive man who helped so many people through times of crisis. He was a great listener. During my teenage years, I felt that he was my greatest supporter and ally when I needed it most. His work ethic was profound. We are so lucky to have his paintings and book covers that remain as extensions of him, so that we may continue to see the world through his singular vision. I love you, Grandpa!
Alyce Burgess
December 6, 2012
Thinking of you lighting up Heaven with that wonderful twinkle in your eye and big, big smile. So glad I had the pleasure to have known you.
December 6, 2012
I have missed Harry and Margaret since they moved back to the East coast..I worked for his cardiologist, Dr. Kenton Gregory and we loved seeing him. Great Man, Great artist. I know he will be very missed.
Julie Lewis
December 6, 2012
We are sorry for your loss. Harry was a wonderful man, very supportive to this 'older emerging artist.' May he rest in peace forever. Rebecca Hart and Kevin Palo, Ilwaco, WA
Mike Bennett
December 6, 2012
Harry Bennett was a legend in his own time. Mike Bennett(son)
December 5, 2012
I remember Harry, my brother in law, for his great humor and kindness to me. May his soul rest in peace . Love, Nancie Roth
December 5, 2012
I am so sorry for the loss of your loved one. Please find peace and comfort in Psalms 65:2.
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