Shirley Alan Bennett

Age 79, formerly of Elmira, NY, passed away on Monday, August 18, 2003 unexpectedly at home in Ocala, FL. He was born November 20, 1923 in Elmira the son of the late Curtis M. and Mary Estella (Thomas) Bennett. He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Patricia (Pope) Bennett; daughter, Cheryl Bennett of Elmira, NY; sons, Bruce Alan and Susan (Greatsinger) Bennett of Stafford, VA; Douglas Scott (Lisa Lusteg) Bennett of Sunrise, FL; grandchildren, Daniel Bennett of Fredericksburg, VA; Julie Bennett (David) Loving of Fredericksburg, VA; Kristin Perkins of Beverly, MA; David Perkins of Orlando, FL; Kathryn Bennett of Plantation, FL; Linae Bennett of Sunrise, FL; great grandchildren, Caitlynn Bennett of Fredericksburg, VA; Mathew Loving also of Fredericksburg, VA; sisters, Vera Roody of Caton, NY; Evelyn O?Buckley of Horseheads, NY; Valera (Robert) Burnham of Elmira Heights, NY; Ileana (Stanley) Coole of Elmira, NY; Carol (Phil) Green of Cayuta, NY; brother, Jacob (Betty) Bennett of Corning, NY; sisters-in-law, Kathryn Bennett of Elmira, NY; Jane Bennett also of Elmira, NY; brother-in-laws, Garry Cole of Elmira, NY; William (Ellen Foley) Pope of Burbank, CA; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives. Shirley was preceded in death by his parents, sisters, Leona Bennett and Irma Cole; brothers, Curtis, Durland and Merle Bennett; daughter, Barbara Ann (Bennett) Perkins. The Elmira Star Gazette employed him for 30 years as a printer/electronic technician until his retirement in 1985. Shirley volunteered for many years in working with boys? Little League, Babe Ruth and Southport Recreation baseball and also served as Commissioner for one year. He also coached many church basketball teams and was an avid New York Yankees fan. Shirley was a Veteran of the US Army serving during WW II as a paratrooper and was also a member of the occupying US Army in Japan. He was a member of the ?Curt Bennett Family Band?, which played at Carpenter?s Hayloft for years as well as playing for other organizations. Shirley grew prize-winning dahlias and was an accredited Judge. He also shared the bounty from his large vegetable garden. Family and friends are invited to call at the Olthof Funeral Home, Inc. 1050 Pennsylvania Ave. Elmira, NY on Sunday, August 24, 2003 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 PM. Funeral Services will be held there on Monday, August 25th at 11:00 AM. The Reverend James Crupi will officiate. Interment will follow in the Fitzsimmons Cemetery Elmira, NY where the Chemung County Veterans Honor Squad will accord Mr. Bennett full Military Honors. Memorial donations may be directed to the American Heart Association P. O. Box # 3049 Syracuse, NY 13220, Children?s Miracle Network c/o AOMC 600 Roe Ave. Elmira, NY 14905 or to a charity of one?s choice.A ?Candle of Remembrance? may be left for the family at www.olthof.com.