Arthur John

Bennett

Creative Entrepreneur

Arthur John Bennett, 92, of Newtown, died peacefully, surrounded by his family, October 2. He was born June 1, 1919, in Brooklyn, N.Y., and was the son of Arthur J. Bennett, Sr, and Cecilia (Gallagher) Bennett, also of Newtown.

After graduating from Pratt Institute with a BS degree in mechanical engineering, he enlisted in the US Navy, where he met his beloved wife, the late Susie Lynn (Burns) Bennett. They were stationed in Sicily, where Mr Bennett worked to streamline, for ship repair, the delivery of parts from the United Stated to the naval yard in Sicily. He was honorably discharged from the US Navy in November 1945, and from the US Navy Reserves in October 1955.

Mr Bennett was an entrepreneur of several businesses. Even as he worked as a sales engineer for Meyercord Company, he owned and operated Arlyn Farms, the Dolly Madison Inn, SL Bennett Transportation Systems (transportation for special needs and public school students), Medi-Chair Coach — ambulance and chair cars — and Cars by Crisi, a limousine service.

Mr Bennett was most proud of his extended family. He and his wife raised eight children and, at the time of his passing, Mr Bennett had ten grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.

He is survived by Patricia Bennett-Bigham, and her husband Keith, of Newtown; Dennis Matthew Bennett, and his wife Joan, of Newtown; Bruce Bernard Bennett, and his wife Debby, of West Cornwall; Conrad Calvin Bennett, and his significant other, Stacey Moscaritolo, of Ringwood, N.J.; Jeanne Bennett Merola, and her husband Frank, of Rocky Hill; and Karen Ann Bennett, and her husband Drew Foster, of Philomath, Ore. Two sons, Russell John Bennett and Gregory Gerard Bennett, predeceased Mr Bennett. His children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren will miss his easy smile and good humor.

Mr Bennett worked feverishly with many other families with special needs children, the Connecticut Legislature, and Governor John Dempsey, to establish the Connecticut Department of Mental Retardation, and a class for children with special needs in Newtown. He was a proud member of the Knights of Columbus, achieving the 3rd and 4th degrees. He was a member and a past vice president of the board of directors of the Northwest Connecticut Public Safety Communication Center.

He and his wife enjoyed trips around the world, as well as arranging several family vacations, starting with the family trip around the United States in the “Blue Bus.”

 He also loved learning how to use the latest electronic gadgets. His energy, creativity, and spark will be greatly missed.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated October 6. Interment with military honors was in St Rose Cemetery. Honan Funeral Home, Newtown, was in charge of arrangements.

Memorial donations may be made to Special Olympics Connecticut, 2666 State Street, Suite #1, Hamden CT 06517-2232 or www.soct.org, or Ability Beyond Disability, 4 Berkshire Boulevard, Bethel CT 06801 or npo.networkforgood.org.

To leave an online condolence, visit www.honanfh.com.

The Newtown Bee        October 7, 2011