Robert J. Bennett's Obituary
Robert J. Bennett, 76, of Bridgeville, passed away peacefully in Select Specialty Hospital in Wilmington, on Sataurday, February 11, 2006.
Mr. Bennett was born on April 30, 1929 to Seth and Grace Hill Bennett. Mr. Bennett lived his entire life in Bridgeville and was a very active member of his community. He was a member of the Bridgeville Volunteer Fire Company for over 50 years, serving as president from 1956 to 1963. He was responsible for bringing ambulance service to Bridgeville in 1947. He was an active member of the Delaware Fire Police as well.
He was employed by the United States Postal Service from 1945 until his retirement in 1984. He held positions as Postmaster in Dover and Rehoboth during this time. He was a former National Vice President of the National Association of Postmasters of the United States and a former President of the Delaware Postmasters Association. He also held the office of President and Director of the Southern Delaware Postal Employees Federal Credit Union.
Bob was also a professional photographer, a career he continued after serving as an Army Signal Corp Photographer from 1951 to 1953 in Germany. A member of the Professional Photographers of America, his photographs appeared in publications all over the world, and won many awards over the years.
Mr. Bennett was a former member of the Bridgeville Lions Club, Bridgeville Kiwanis Club, Rehoboth Art League, Seaford Golf and Country Club, Bridgeville Town Commission, American Legion Post 26, and former board member of Nanticoke Health Services. He was currently a Director of the Delaware State Fair, Director of the Bridgeville Historical Society, and a member of Union United Methodist Church. Bob was also an avid stamp and First Day Cover collector.
Bob, Dad, and Pop-Pop was a gentle, caring spirit who loved life and lived it to the fullest. He loved his family dearly and will be sadly missed by all who knew him. He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, the former Eleanor Hamstead; a daughter, Donna Holefelder and her husband Michael of Bear; a son, Rodney and his wife Amanda of Greenwood; three grandchildren: Brian, Brandon and Lauren; and five step-grandchildren: Matthew, Miranda, Mali, Erin, and Jordan.
The family would like to thank all the doctors, nurses, and respiratory therapists who cared for Mr. Bennett in his final days. A special thank you for all the cards, prayers, and words of encouragement from all who cared. You all know who you are.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, February 16, at 2 PM at the Union United Methodist Church, Market & Laws Streets, Bridgeville, where friends and family may call from 1-2 PM at the church. Internment will follow at Odd Fellows Cemetery, Seaford, DE. Friends may also call from 6-8 PM Wednesday at the Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Hardesty Chapel, 202 Laws Street, Bridgeville.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Bridgeville Volunteer Fire Company, P.O. Box 722, Bridgeville, DE 19933 or to the American Diabetes Association, 110 So. French Street, Suite 400, Wilmington, DE 19801, or to the Union United Methodist Church, Market & Laws Street, Bridgeville.
Send online condolences to: [email protected].
PDF Printable Version
What’s your fondest memory of Robert?
What’s a lesson you learned from Robert?
Share a story where Robert's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Robert you’ll never forget.
How did Robert make you smile?