Mr. Robert S. Bennett, age 89, of 14 Cottage Street, Ilion, passed away on Wednesday evening, September 15, 2004 at the Masonic Care Community in Utica. He was born on July 12, 1915 in Syracuse, a son of the late Anthony and Cora (Bullard) Bennett, and received his education in Schuyler schools. He had been a longtime resident of our area. On December 28, 1940 Robert joined in marriage with Virginia Blaisdell in Syracuse, a loving union of nearly 64 years. He had last worked as an Iron worker with Local #440 in Utica for over 40 years. Mr. Bennett was a member of the Ilion First United Methodist Church, and was a past master of the former Frankfort Masonic Lodge. He was also a member of the Local Iron Worker's Union #440. Bob was an avid hunter and fisherman, and for over 50 years had enjoyed membership with the Poppel Ridge Club in Woodgate, NY. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather, and will be dearly missed by his beloved wife: Virginia; his children, including three daughters: Jean Ganey of Ilion; Sharon Carlesimo and her husband Peter of Frankfort; and Kathleen Gardner and her husband John of Rochester; three sons: Raymond Bennett and his wife Sandy of Schuyler; Robert Bennett and his wife Elizabeth of East Herkimer; and Earl Bennett of Ilion; 17 grandchildren: Cookie Ganey, Gina Horst, Peter Carlesimo, William Ganey, Jr., Roxanne Gillen, John Gardner, Julie Stoner, Stephen Carlesimo, Kurt Gardner, Brian Bennett, Jodi Ganey, Heather Eberle, Chad Gardner, Leigh Parks, Deanna Bennett, Brooke Bennett, and Nicole Bennett; 19 great grandchildren, several nieces nephews and cousins. Robert was predeceased by a daughter: Bertha Bennett and two brothers: Charles and Raymond Bennett, and a sister: Elizabeth Doudera. Funeral services will be held on Saturday September 18, 2004 at 11:00 AM at the chapel of the Enea Family Funeral Home, Main Street between Ilion & Frankfort, with interment to follow at Armory Hill Cemetery, Ilion. Family and friends are invited to attend calling hours at the funeral home on Friday Sept. 17 (Today) from 4 - 8 PM. Members of the Ilion/Frankfort Masonic Lodge are asked to gather at the funeral home on Friday evening at 7:00 PM for ritualistic service. The family wishes to express their heartfelt thanks to the entire staff of the Masonic Home in Utica, especially mentioning the Brooklyn Unit for the abundant care extended and for their utmost professionalism and comfortable surroundings. Many thanks also to the Ilion Fire Department and Ambulance crew for their attentiveness towards Bob's needs. Contributions in memory of Robert S. Bennett may be considered to the Ilion Ambulance, c/o Central Fire Station, Ilion, NY 13357. Envelopes may be obtained from the Enea Family Funeral Home (894-8000). For directions to the funeral home, click the link above.