Thomas D. Bennett

Thomas D. Bennett lifelong resident of Trumansburg passed away peacefully in Newburgh on Sunday, October 9, 2022 at the age of 97.

Tom was born on April 18, 1925, a son of the late Levi and Anna (nee O’Brien) Bennett. He resided in a 17 room farmhouse with his parents, siblings, and grandmother Bennett which was swept away in the flood of 1935. Fortunately all members of the family were rescued and survived. The family moved to Ithaca for a brief time before moving back to Trumansburg. He attended Trumansburg Schools graduating in 1943. Tom was drafted in the Army in 1943, honorably serving his country during  World War II in Italy, France, Belgium and Germany with the 36th Infantry until his discharge from the National Guard in 1949. Upon his arrival home, Tom would begin a career at P&C Grocery Store in Trumansburg that would last 43 years, culminating with his retirement in 1990 as the meat Manager.

Tom was deeply involved in the Trumansburg community throughout his entire life. He was a lifelong member of the American Legion serving as Post Commander, County Commander, 6th District Vice Commander, Department Sergeant at Arms, County Membership Chairman, and in 2013 was awarded the NYS Legion Department of Commanders Award of Excellence. Tom was a member of the Trumansburg Fair Board since 1964, served as treasurer and in 2011 was inducted into the NYS Fair Association Hall of Fame. He was active in local politics serving as Trustee for the Village of Trumansburg from 1986-1990 and was elected Mayor in 1990, serving until 2000. He received numerous community awards over the years including the Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year in 1993, Distinguished Citizen Award by Rotary in 1994, and in 2000 received an award from the Trumansburg Fire Department for his dedication to the department during his time as Mayor. Additionally, Tom was a member of the VFW, Knights of Columbus, Elks, and St. James Catholic Church.

Tom is survived by two children, Marcie (Val) Gray and Rockie (Kim) Bennett; three grandchildren, Elicia (Matt) Ozimek, Erika (Kevin) Bartels, and Rebecca (Tom) Kavanagh; six great grandchildren, Olivia, Erik, Eleanor, and Lukas Ozimek, and Leah and Tommy Kavanagh; sisters in law, Marge Bennett, Donna (Jim) Andersen, and Cindy (Albert) Smith; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Tom was preceded in death by his wife, Joyce Bennett; brothers, Robert and Don Bennett; sister Audrey Ball; brothers in law, Bob Ball and Keith Bower; sisters in law, Connie Bennett and Rhoda Bower; and an aunt, Hope Bower.

The family will be present to receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00pm on Thursday, October 20, 2022 at the Ness-Sibley Funeral Home, 23 South Street, Trumansburg. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 2:00pm on Friday, October 21 at St. James Catholic Church, 17 Whig Street, Trumansburg. Burial will be held at the convenience of the family.

The family asks those who wish to make a contribution in Tom’s memory to kindly consider American Legion Post 770, PO Box 456, Trumansburg, NY 14886 or Hospice of Orange and Sullivan Counties, 800 Stony Brook Court, Newburgh, NY 12550.