Obituary of Raymond A. Bennett

CANASTOTA . . .

Raymond A. Bennett, 95, of Canastota, passed away on Sunday, January 20, 2019, at the Oneida Healthcare Extended Care Facility, following a lengthy illness.

He was born on January 30, 1923, in Newark, NY, the son of the late Nunzio and Ernestina (Genetti) Bennett.

Ray spent his early years in Newark and Lyons, NY, attending schools there. He has lived in Canastota most of his life, residing at the Hazel Carpenter Adult Home in Oneida for 2 years.

He is a WW II Veteran, serving in the European Theatre of Operations with the United States Army. Ray served in the Andennes, Central Europe, and Rineland, receiving the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Victory Medal, and the Meritorious Unit Citation Medal.

Ray worked as a Crane Operator and Rigger at Carrier Corporation (United Technologies) in Syracuse from April 1952 to May 1984, when he retired. He was previously employed at Griffiss Air Force Base in Rome, from October 1947 to April 1952.

Ray was a member of St. Agatha's Church, Canastota, and St. Agatha's Prayer Group. He also was a Eucharist Minister, serving Holy Communion to parishioners at mass biweekly, and visited shut-ins on an ongoing basis, taking Holy Communion to them in their homes and at nursing homes. Ray assisted transporting young children to church for religious instruction, and was a member of St. Agatha's Bereavement Ministry.

He was a member of the Canastota VFW Memorial Post 600, serving as Officer of the Day, a member of the Resolutions Committee, a former Trustee, and Service Officer. Ray was also a member of the Canastota American Legion Charles Miller Post 140, Oneida Guardsmen Association, American-Italian Heritage Association, New York State Guard, 1969-1979, the former Loyal Order of Moose Lodge 421 in Oneida, Knights of Columbus, 3rd Degree, and Canastota-Lenox Senior Citizens Club.

Ray received the Oneida Moose Veteran of the Year Award, Madison County, in November 1994, nominated for Msgr. Lawler Award by the Catholic Charities of the Eastern Region, Canastota Chamber of Commerce Distinguished Service Award in 1994, Canastota Rotary Club Roses to the Living Award in 1993, was runner-up for the Madison County Veteran of the Year award in 1991, transported patients to doctors and/or hospitals, locally and out of town for routine appointments and also foe dialysis and other treatments, and visited friends and patients in hospitals and nursing homes on an ongoing basis, was a monthly volunteer at the Syracuse VA Medical Center, and was a prison minister volunteer at the Auburn Correctional Facility, Rome Correctional Facility, Fishkill Prison, and the Watertown Correctional Facility.

He drove for Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), transporting seniors to SNACK for meals, he participated and work for the Annual Crop Walk, assisted at the annual St. Agatha's Assumption Festival in several capacities, helped other VFW members putting out Ameican Flags on national holidays, sold poppies and was an Bell Ringer for the Salvation Army kettle at Christmas, marched at local parades with the American Legion and VFW as a member of the Color Guard and Firing Squad, assisted at Loves and Fishes at the United Church in Canastota, is a former member of the American Legion Bingo committee, a former Canastota Little League Coach, and played Santa Claus at High Hopes Nursery School in Canastota at Christmas.

Ray married Donna M. Vecchio on May 4, 1946, in Canastota. Donna died on May 13, 1996.

Surviving are; a son and daughter-in-law, Ron and Debbie Bennett of Canastota; a daughter, Linda Bennett of Canastota; two grandchildren, Jennifer Stout, and Kimberly and Tess Bennett-Piraino; a great granddaughter, Alexis Stout; as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Ray was predeceased by a daughter, Tina Bovenzi; three brothers, James Bennett, Sr., Anthony Bennett, and Angelo Bennett; and two sisters, Ann Bennett, and Mary Bennett.

His family would like to thank the staff at the Hazel Carpenter Adult Home and the 2nd Floor Staff at Oneida Healthcare Extended Care Facility, for the caring and compassion they showed Ray during his time there.

A memorial service will be held at the convenience of the family. At Ray's request, there will be no public calling hours or funeral service. Spring burial with Military Honors will be held at St. Agatha's Cemetery, Canastota. Arrangements are under the supervision of the J. Homer Ball Funeral Home, Inc., 201 James Street, Canastota. In his memory, contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, PO Box 1000, Dept. 300, Memphis, TN 38148, or to Clear Path for Veterans, 1223 Salt Springs Road, Chittenango, NY 13037.

J. HOMER BALL FUNERAL HOME, INC.

Canastota

A Trust 100 Family Owned Funeral Home

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