Obituary of Thomas W. Bennett

Age 73 of Pine City, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, November 4, 2023, after a long battle with cancer.  Tom was born and raised in Elmira, a son of the late Howard W. “Dutch” Bennett and Doris Bennett McCann.  He was also predeceased by brother-in-law Terry Masker.  Tom is survived by his wife Sandra Hall Bennett; children, Shaun Bennett with wife Maria, Monica Bennett, and Timothy Bennett all of Elmira; siblings, Carol Masker, R. Michael Bennett with wife Rose, Daniel Bennett all of Elmira, Susan Raub of New Port Richie FL, with husband Frank; step-children, William Dildine Jr. of Elmira, with wife Dawn, Sheree L. Magera of Pine City, Michele R. Macri of Sayre PA, Scott M. Dildine of Elmira, and Robin Velez of Tampa FL; sister-in-law Arlene  Middleton of Woolcott NY, with husband Randy Middleton; brother-in-law Arden Hall of Elmira Heights.  Also surviving are several grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Tom was a 1968 graduate of Elmira Free Academy where he was a three-sport athlete.  After high school he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and served a year of his enlistment in Vietnam.  Tom was employed for 27 years as a New York State Corrections Officer.  He spent most of his career at the Elmira Correctional Facility from where he retired.   Tom was involved with coaching youth sports in the Elmira area for several years.  He coached baseball for the Huck Finn Little League, Elmira Small Fry, and West Elmira Little League.  Tom also coached St. Patrick’s CYO basketball.  He was an avid Detroit Tigers fan.  In earlier years Tom enjoyed bowling, fishing, and playing golf.  He was a proud and active member of the John J. Lee Division of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, and a member of the Elmira American Legion Post #443. 

Family and friends are invited to attend Tom’s Mass of Christian Burial at St. Patrick’s Church, 604 Park Place, Elmira, on Friday, November 10, 2023, at 1:30 p.m.  Military honors will follow outside of church after the Funeral Mass.  Cemetery prayers will be held on Monday, November 13, 2023, 11:00 a.m., at Woodlawn National Cemetery.  Those wishing may remember Tom with a donation to the Arctic League, P O Box 113, Elmira NY 14902. 

A Celebration of Tom's life will follow the military honors at the Hibernian Center, 701 Kinyon Street, Elmira, starting at 3:00 p.m.