Michael J. Bennett

Michael John Bennett passed away at home on Tuesday, January 14, 2014 at the age of 36. He was born on April 5, 1977 in Mountain View (Santa Clara County), California. Mike joined the Army where he served in the 1st Battalion, 14th Infantry, 25th Infantry Division (Light) at Schofield Barrack, Hawaii. He attained the rank of Sergeant and was most proud of being an Army graduate of the Marine Sniper School in Hawaii. He volunteered for duty in Bosnia during his enlistment/reenlistment. He graduated from Corning Community College with an AS degree in Math/Science and an AAS degree in Chemical Technology. During his course of study, he made the Dean's List and the Presidents List with an overall GPA of 3.59. Upon graduation he was honored with the CCC Award for the Outstanding Student in Chemical Technology. After graduation, he worked for 7 years at Corning Incorporated as a Research Technician. He was a long time devotee of bodybuilding, spending lots of time at thegym. He worked for 10 months as a personal trainer at the Corning YMCA. The beloved son of Jack and Carol Bennett, he is survived by his parents, a brother, Matthew (Sue), of Oswego, his grandmother, Margaret C. Bennett, and numerous relatives and friends. He was predeceased by his grandparents, Florentio and Elizabeth Garcia and Walter E. Bennett. Memorial donations can be made in his name to the Chemung County SPCA 2435 Route # 352 Elmira, NY 14903-7933. A private viewing for immediate family and close friends was held at the Olthof Funeral Home, Inc. Interment took place in the National View Section of Woodlawn Cemetery. Carol and Jack wish to apologize to the family and friends who were not informed of the death and funeral arrangements. The strain and sorrow of his passing was and is nearly too great to bear. Mike's guestbook may be signed in obituaries at www.olthof.com