Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Robert Bennett Obituary
Family-Placed Obituary
BENNETT, Dr. Robert J. 73, of Springfield, died at 12:30 p.m. Saturday, April 1, 2006 in Miami Valley Hospital. He was born in Springfield, Ohio on July 16, 1932 to William J. and Mary Margaret (Glynn) Bennett. He began his optometry practice in 1957 and retired after 40 years of serving the Springfield community. Dr. Bennett was a member of St. Raphael Catholic Church, a 1949 graduate of Catholic Central High School, attended Notre Dame University for his pre-optometry schooling and graduated in 1955 from the Ohio State University School of Optometry. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus 624, Toastmasters Club, Junior Achievement Laureate in 2003, Board Member of the Springfield Museum of Art, supporter of the Springfield Arts Council and the Clark County Literacy Coalition and active in many community endeavors too numerous to mention. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Jane (Field); six children and spouses, Bill and Kathy Bennett, Springfield, Susan and Stephen Baker, Scotch Plains, New Jersey, Carol and Terrence Clancy, Fairfield, Connecticut, Thomas and Julie Bennett, Carmel, Indiana, Julie Bennett-Bottenhorn and husband, John, Cincinnati, Ohio and Barbara and Don Sanderson, Westfield, New Jersey; 15 grandchildren, Christine, Mary and Margaret Bennett, Theodore, Jane and Chester Baker, John, Emma, Coleman and Annie Clancy, Betsy, Joe and Sam Bennett, Claire Soupene and Eleanor Sanderson; nieces, Laura Weber and Cindi Davis and nephew, Patrick Field; and his beloved dog Homer. He was preceded in death by a son, James T.; a grandson, James P. and a brother, Don. Friends may call in the CONROY FUNERAL HOME from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday in St. Raphael Church with Fr. Dennis Caylor officiating. Burial will be in St. Bernard Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to the Clark County Literacy Coalition or the National Down Syndrome Society, 666 Broadway, New York, New York, 10012.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert Bennett
Pat and Chris Lohnes
March 29, 2021
It is hard to believe it has been 15 years! Prayers to all the family.
Emily (Fuentes) Qualich
April 22, 2006
My sympathies to your family. I know what you are going through. I can remember many visits with Dr. Bennett for myself and my family. He was always smiling and joking with us.
Emily (Fuentes) Qualich
Nancy Sturgeon
April 16, 2006
For the family of Dr. Robert Bennett,
Please accept my sincere sympathy for your great loss. My grandmother, husband, children, and I were in his care for decades. He told me, years after he had fitted me with my first contacts, that I had left his office "walking on air" because I was so thrilled with my new "eyes". I was gladly surprised that my doctor had been that sensitive to notice and to recall an event that had been so wonderful for me. He was always interested in, appreciative and proud of my teaching in a correctional institution and my work with the OhioReads program. We talked about tutoring children and adults. I am glad for his care, both for my eyes and my person. I will remember him with thanks and friendship.
Missy (Reiff) Warner
April 9, 2006
There are not too many times in your young life that you know enough to be impressed with an individual's individualism and contribution to the world. Dr. Bob was one of those rare people.
Dr. Bob was not only my eye Dr but he was also my next door neighbor's brother. The Bennett family played such a large role in my life, even though they may never have known that they did.
Grannie was a treasure. Don was always there for my family in some of the most unusual times (remember Barney "helping" with the guinea pigs and Muffin the cat?). And Dr. Bob was always Dr. Bob. His was truly the photo that you would see next to the word "charitable" in the dictionary.
Thank you to the Bennett family for all you have done for the city of Springfield. Dr. Bob's giving spirit is one that we can all learn from. He was such a wonderful example of life and love.
My thoughts and prayers to the Bennett family in your loss...but I can only smile when I think of the wonderful reunion that is going on in heaven with Grannie, Don, and Bob and the rest of the Bennett family (!).
Chester Baker
April 8, 2006
Thank you all so much for your kind words, thoughts, and prayers. I loved my grandpa with all my heart, and I know how much he appreciates your words
Ana Cote McCauley
April 6, 2006
To Julie and the entire Bennett Family:
I am so sorry to hear this news. I have so many fond memories of Dr. Bennett from his visits to Saint Mary's and our visits to Springfield. He was always so kind to us and always very interested in what was going on with us at SMC. As others have mentioned, we all loved his cookies. You were blessed to have such a wonderful father, and I know he will be sorely missed. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Julie and Brian Davies
April 6, 2006
Mrs. Bennett, Carol and family,
These touching tributes only reinforce what I have already come to know about your father--that he was a wonderful man who was loved by his family, his friends, and so many in the community. I will cherish the times that we were included in family gatherings with your father. I enjoyed his company so much, and will remember him always. My heart is with you.
Margie and Jim Ryan
April 5, 2006
Dear Jane and family,
Margie and I were very saddened when our daughter in Dayton called to tell of Bob's passing. Like so many others, we thought very highly of Bob. We remember most his great sense of humor, his honesty and candor, his love of people, his generosity, and his Christian witness among all his other traits too numerous to mention. We grieve with you in your loss. We are so glad for the opportunity we had last summer to visit with you and Bob at Maureen and Tom's anniversary party.
May God be with you in your great loss
Love,
Margie and Jim Ryan
Mark Lookabaugh
April 5, 2006
My deepest and most sincere sympathy to all of Dr. Bennett's family. Bob was truly a kind and gentle man. It has been my privilege and pleasure to know and be served by him for many, many years. He will be fondly remembered by all who were fortunate enough to have met him. May your grief be shortened by the wonderful memories of his life.
Jeanne (Power)Luke
April 5, 2006
My love and prayers to you Julie and your whole family. May God comfort and bless you through this difficult time.
Michele Allgier
April 5, 2006
We had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Bennett through the their son Tom, and his wife here in Carmel/Westfield, Indiana. He was always such a sweet and kind man! He was always so interested in what everyone was doing, and so polite - he never knew a stranger, it seems!
God bless Mrs. Bennett, her children, and grandchildren. We will miss seeing him when we visit Tom, Julie and family.
-Michele, Doug, Mary and Annie Allgier
Westfield, Indiana
terry and dwight zeman
April 4, 2006
your terrible loss is also a loss for his patient's, the library, the arts festival and the entire springfield community. things won't be the same. you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Pat & Brenda Maloney
April 4, 2006
Our deepest sympathy to our dear friend Julie in the loss of her father. Our prayer are with her and her family. We will continue cherishing our memories of him.
Tom Deane
April 4, 2006
First time I saw Dr. Bennett was 1963 I couldnt wear contacs my glasses were too thick. He made special ones for me power thru the curve of the lense. He didnt charge hardly anything because he wasn't sure they would work. They worked fine.He changed my life I will always be gratefull.There should be a statue erected to honor all the things he did for people.
Tom Deane Springfield Ohio
Jeffrey Reed
April 4, 2006
I will miss Mr. Bennett in my classes this quarter, and this goes for everyone else he has touched at Clark State. This is such a shock. My heart goes out to his family.
Linda Cason
April 4, 2006
Our sympathy goes out to the Bennett family. What a wonderful person he was. My whole family has gone to him for years. He will be greatly missed.
Jackie (Mullins) Stent
April 4, 2006
Julie,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your entire family. After reading about your Dad, I can tell he was a wonderful human being. He obviously touched the lives of so many people in a positive and memorable way. May you find comfort in the many wonderful stories you will hear about your Dad in the coming days and months.
Drew Asimus
April 4, 2006
The staff of Builderness extends deepest sympathy to Julie & John and Bob's family at this sad time of loss.
Carolyn & Drew Asimus
April 4, 2006
Dear Jane & Family,
Drew & I were so saddened to learn of your loss of Bob. We had the privilege of meeting him at Julie & John's wedding, where his fun loving joyful exuberance set the tone for the celebration. He was such a kind and loving person and will be missed by all who knew him.
Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to you.
Kimberly Mackey
April 4, 2006
To Mrs.Bennett and Family, I want to express my deepest sympathy to you and your family at this time. Dr. Bennett was a very giving and caring person. One thing I remember most was working at the Library Fair Booth. He was so generous to buy all those books. People couldn't believe those books were free for them. May God bless you and I will keep you in my prayers. Kimberly Mackey (Clark County Public Library)
Michael Rollins
April 4, 2006
Our thoughts and prayers to you and your family.
Rollins Moving & Storage Inc.
Jeanne Marie Olivieri
April 4, 2006
Our thoughts are with Dr. Bennett and his family. Jules, how can we ever forget the chocolate chip cookies that he sent to us at SMC? He will be missed. Take care.
Mary Anne Moody
April 4, 2006
Susan, No bond is as great as that between a parent and child. My deepest condolences are with you and your family as you grieve.
My mother, Mary Lou (Newell) Moody, dec. 1997, always spoke of your Dad's kindness in caring for her as a patient. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
James & Sharleen Evans
April 4, 2006
We need more Bob Bennetts in this world!
Jim and Kay Gunn
April 3, 2006
Dear Jane, Children and Grandchildren,
Our deepest sympathy to each of you. We will always be grateful for your friendship. We know Bob was greeted by God as a true and faithful servant. He will be missed so much by so many....Our thoughts and prayers will be with you during this very difficult time. Our love to each of you.
Jim and Kay Gunn
and Family
Becky & Scott Sutton
April 3, 2006
Julie,
My thoughts & prayers are with you & the entire Bennett Family during this difficult time. I do remember how big a part your Dad played in your life & I am truly sorry for your loss. May God's Grace shine upon Dr. Bob.
One of my memories of your Dad is all the boxes of delicious cookies he used to send the SMC chics! What a great Dad!
Mary Ann and Don Silness
April 3, 2006
Dear Jane and Family,
Doc told me I was his very last patient that last day of his career. I was honored to have him be with me as I coped with a seriouis eye problem. What a treasure Springfield enjoyed to have had his friendship, his community support, his medical wisdom but most of all his love. Our deepest sympathy to you all.
Ralph & Joan Watson
April 3, 2006
Our deepest sympathy to the Bennett family.
Cathleen and Dan Murphy
April 3, 2006
God Bless you, Dr. Bennett. Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Bennett family.
Love to all,
Jay Dillahunt
April 3, 2006
Before being accepted in the Peace Corps, I had to get a prescription for eye glasses to take with me. After the exam at Dr. Bennet's office, I was walking to mom's house near the Wittenberg campus when I heard my name called. I turned around to see Dr. Bennet in his office doorway waving me back. He took the time from his crowded waiting room to pat me on the back,say how proud he was of me,and wished me good luck.
I will never ever ever forget that act of kindness and good will.
Pat Lohnes
April 3, 2006
Dear Jane and all of the wonderful Bennett family:
Chris and I were stunned when Kevin called us to tell us of Bob's death! We are in Salt Lake City with Brian. Tim flew in from Portland, too. Know that all four of us have all of you in our thoughts and prayers. Chris and I are especially sorry that we are not in Springfield to add to what I am sure is a huge support system. Bob did not know a stranger and I know many will mourn his death. We are lucky that our faith assures us that Bob is now in a wonderful place! I hope you can find some comfort in that. And what wonderful memories! May they bring you strength! Chris and I will be in touch when we return. We send our love and sympathy across the miles.
Chris and Pat Lohnes
Robin Riley
April 3, 2006
I was a patient of Dr. Bennett's in my younger years before moving out of state. Even then I respected him as a knowledgeable, hard-working man who not only put his own large family through school but gave generous monetary contributions to the library and community.
As an adult I brought my own family back to Springfield to raise and there was Dr. Bennett, still working hard and giving so much to so many different causes.
Do you remember he put the full page American Flag in the newspaper after 9/11? I saw those taped in numerous windows as a show of patriotism.
What else do you all remember?
To the Bennett family... I am truly sorry for your loss. Dr. Bennett was one of those "pillars of the community" that was visible and accessible to everyone. You are not alone in your grief. There are many people in Springfield who appreciated all he did and are saddened by his passing.
He will be my example to my children when I teach them about altruism and giving back from what you receive.
Kerry and Derek Conley
April 3, 2006
We enjoyed Dr. Bob's spirited personality and how he always let you know how much he loved his family! Deepest condolences to the extended Bennett family and to all those who knew and loved him.
Bruce & Pat Everhart
April 3, 2006
It is sad day indeed when we lose someone like Bob. He was our optometrist and good friend from the very early days of his practice. We will miss him greatly. Our sincere condolences to his family.
TOM HEARLIHY
April 3, 2006
I find it hard to believe that Bob is gone. While home for Jack Conroys funeral I saw Bob at church at St. Teresa where he went each morning.
To Jane & his children I want to say how much I admired Bob he was a gentleman a good christian man and I'm sure a wonderful husband and. father.
He was also a big booster for Springfield, ohio.
I'm sure you will miss him, but he is now with his God in a better place Tom hearlihy
Valerie Butler
April 3, 2006
I am a former patient of Dr. Bennett. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
kay baumgardner
April 3, 2006
Dr. Bennett taught me everything I know in optics! I owe him so much for his kind and loving help and direction in my life, he is truly my mentor and will be sadly missed by all of us that had the pleasure to know him.
Bridget (Garry)Fenton
April 3, 2006
My heart broke when I learned of Dr. Bennett's passing. I had gone to Dr. Bennett since I was in the 3rd grade until his retirement, and I always looked forward to those visits. He was always so kind and cheerful and always made me feel truly welcome and appreciated. I think the one thing I'll remember most is when my daughter started school and I told Dr. Bennett that I was sending her to St. Bernard, he told me what a wonderful parent I was for making such a sacrifice for my child, and I know he truly meant that. My deepest sympathy to Dr. Bennett's family and please know that he touched many, many lives in very special ways. He will truly be missed by the Springfield community that he loved.
BOB BAKER
April 3, 2006
My deepest sympathy tothe Bennett family. I have truly lost a good friend.
Bob Baker
Showing 1 - 39 of 39 results
Make a Donation
in Robert Bennett's name
Memorial Events
for Robert Bennett
How to support Robert's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Robert Bennett's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
