Richard C. Bennett

FORT WAYNE, Ind. – Richard C. Bennett, 86, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, formerly of Seneca, South Carolina, passed away at 10:48 p.m. Monday, Oct. 10, 2016, at The Hearth at Sycamore Village in Fort Wayne.

He was born Feb. 16, 1930, in Lakewood, Ohio, the son of Charles and Pauline (Bodenlo) Bennett.

Dick graduated from Lakewood High School in Ohio with the Class of 1948. He went on to receive his bachelor’s degree in industrial psychology at Bowling Green State University. He then joined the Army. While serving, he met the woman of his dreams and would marry Sara Tenaglia on Sept. 1, 1956. After being honorably discharged, he worked for U.S. Steel until 1983, and then became a consultant. In 1985, he and Sara moved to Tampico, where he worked for Northwestern Steel and Wire before retiring in 1996. After retirement, they moved to Seneca, and he became a Master Gardener from Clemson University.

Survivors include his sons, Bill (Lisa) Bennett of Columbia City and Bob (Kris) Bennett of Ashland, Ohio; brother-in-law, Ken Russell of Rocky River, Ohio; sisters-in-law, Roberta Bennett of Anderson, Margie Poepoe of Union, New Jersey, Gloria Samartino of Piscataway, New Jersey, and Cecile (Dan) Surman of Hackensack, New Jersey; six grandchildren; and one great-grandson.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Sara Bennett on Aug. 14, 2016; daughter, Nancy Bennett in 2006; brother, Robert Bennett; and sister, Caroline Russell.

Friends may call from 1 to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, with the funeral at 3:30 p.m. Saturday at DeMoney-Grimes, a Life Story Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City.

Memorial gifts may be given in memory to Heifer International.

Visit demoneygrimes.com to read Dick’s life story or to send family condolences.