Richard P. Bennett

On September 3rd 2023, our Dad blazed his last trail.

He was predeceased by his parents, Lester Bennett, and Frances(Brown), his stepmother Alice, brothers Bob and Donald and his sister Dorothy(Meader), grandchild Heather Bennett, and many brothers and sisters-in-law.

Dad is survived by the love of his life Theresa(Porcello) with whom he shared 70+ years of marriage, their 8 children:

Richard(Candy), Linda(David), Edward(Betsey), Karen(Andras), Tom, Carolyn(Erik), Dolores(Steven), and Joe(Susan).

22 grandchildren, Matthew, Mary Elizabeth, Alex, Nathan, Kate, Corinne, Rebecca, Grace, Rachel, Jesse, Renee, Gavin, Jocelyn, Jillian, Greta, Molly, Mason, Jessica, Adam, Christopher, Daniel, Brianna, and 13 great grandchildren Charlotte, Brendan, Amy, Calvin, Finn, Charlie, Maggie, Lulu, Milo, Hazel, Ari, Evelyn, and Wyatt.

His is also survived by his half-brother Bill and several nieces and nephews.

Dad served in the Army National Guard during the Korean War in Iceland.

He grew up during the depression which left him with a strong work ethic and a burning desire to save and conserve every resource that was available. With his wife,  who he met at a local dance, he was an avid gardener, and dancer. Together they had large gardens in both the front and back yards producing all kinds of vegetables and flowers. Dad was well known as the “Hey, hey, hey guy” at the many contra dances he and Theresa attended due to his call to the band at the end of every dance along with his exuberant clapping. Dad was also instrumental in beginning the Community Gardens at Glen Magna in Danvers in the 1970’s. After his “retirement” he worked in various jobs as a draftsman, as a construction worker with his brother Bob, and at the Danvers Council on Aging assisting people with their income taxes.

Dad was an avid runner, participating and finishing the Boston Marathon on 2 occasions. He was also a member of the Medford Running Club hosting several 10K races from his house in Danvers serving his special soup to exhausted runners afterwards. Many people remember our dad as,  “the guy who looked like Abraham Lincoln”, either running or riding his bike to and from Sylvania on Loring Ave. where he worked for many years as a talented mechanical draftsman. He ran/biked in every kind of weather in all 4 seasons. During this time, he also served as scoutmaster of Troop 58 in Danvers and he left lasting impressions in many a young man’s life during his tenure. Some people will also remember the booming laugh that could be heard whenever he found something funny. This laugh was contagious and could go on for minutes, with all participating holding their sides.

Dad loved hiking any mountain, hill, or trail with his kids, grandkids, or anyone else who could keep up with him. Dad never met a body of water that he wouldn’t take a dip in, his favorite spot was Thunder Bridge in Middleton. He could be found with his bike parked against the bridge which he frequently used to jump into the Ipswich River. He was a member of the AMC 4000-Footer club having climbed all peaks over 4000’ in New Hampshire and neighboring states several times. His younger kids fondly remember the 2-week hike through the Adirondack Mountains.

Although he took an early retirement, he kept as busy as ever into his 90’s until Father Time finally caught up with him at the tender age of 95.

He will be missed by all.  

There will be a Celebration of Life will be held at Mackey Funeral Home located at 128 S. Main Street, Middleton, Ma on 10/14/2023 between 10:00 and 12:00.

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