Robert "Bob" M. Bennett's Obituary
Robert (Bob) M. Bennett, age 84, died May 21, 2013 surrounded by family at the VA Community Living Center in Elsmere, Delaware.
Bob Bennett was born in Frankford, Delaware. He is predeceased by his mother, Fleta Magdalene Fifer of Fifer Farms. She was the oldest of Charles and Mary Fifer’s six children and a graduate of Bridgewater College, Virginia. His father J. M. Bennett was born on Spruce Mountain, West Virginia and his passion for travel and education brought him to the Millsboro School District where he served as a principal for many years.
In 1947, Bob graduated from Caesar Rodney High School and went on to earn his Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemistry and Biology, also from Bridgewater College. Medically discharged from the Army in 1953 due to Multiple Sclerosis, it was a summer trip to Europe that led to a lifelong friendship and business partnership with Fred Brown. They opened the doors to B&B Music on June 15, 1955 located inside the old Bayard Hotel building on the corner of Loockerman Street and Governors Avenue in Dover, Delaware. They began selling vinyl records, sheet music, pianos and music accessories. Harry Voshell joined the partnership eight years later and the business expanded to include local school programs. The business continues to thrive over a half century later, now known as B&B Music and Sound.
In 1975 Bob retired from the business and married Shirley Blackman. They made their home in Rehoboth, Delaware where they worked in real estate, travelled, wintered in New Smyrna Beach, FL and were regularly spotted on weekends driving his treasured 1957 Thunderbird, riding their bikes and playing Hearts on the beach with family and friends.
Bob Bennett is survived by his wife of 38 years and step daughters, Barbara Rynkowski, Valery Cordrey, Sharon Sherwood and Cheryl Blackman. His grandchildren include Casey Hershelman, Christopher Cordrey, Chance Cordrey, Van Tyler Sherwood, and Triever Sherwood. Bob smiled at the news of his first great grandchild, Grant Hunter Hershelman, born May 10, 2013.
Bob was the youngest of three siblings. He was predeceased by his sister Dorothy Bennett Taylor and is survived by his brother Harold and wife Norma Bennett of Camden. His surviving nieces and nephews are Harold Bennett (Rehoboth), Lynn Farina (Dover), Donald Prather (California), Nancy Northrup (Texas) and David Prather (California).
There will be a gathering of friends and family to celebrate a life well lived at The Cordrey Center, 30366 Cordrey Road, Millsboro, DE 19966, for all who would like to attend on Saturday, June 29th from 4 – 7 PM. Arrangements are being handled by Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Lewes, DE.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that you consider a donation to the Delaware Veterans Administration (135) and Community Living Center, 1601 Kirkwood Highway, Wilmington, DE 19805.
Bob’s uniquely warm disposition and spontaneous, genuine smile will keep his memory alive by all who shared in his life.
Please sign Bob’s online guestbook at this site.
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