Mr. Daniel Bennett 87, of 19 West Spofford Avenue Dolgeville, died Wednesday, November 30th, 2016 , in the Alpine Nursing Home in Little Falls, where he was a resident since August of this year.

Dan was born on January 27, 1929, the son of Frederick and Marie (Hart) Bennett and was a graduate of Little Falls High School, class of 1947.

He  was a veteran of the Korean War, having honorably served in the United States Army after enlisting in April of 1951 and  actively serving until April 1953. He then continued  to serve in the active  Army Reserves and was discharged in March 0f 1957. While on active duty, Dan was deployed to Korea, serving as a tank commander, with Company B 245th Tank Battalion, earning the rank of Sergeant and the following military awards,the Korean Service Medal w/1 Bronze Star and the United Nations Service Medal. Dan later became a member of the American Legion, a veteran's organization.

Dan was united in marriage to Alice Brucker on October 27, 1956 in St. Mary’s Church in Little Fall, and Dan and Alice went on to be the parents of nine children. He and Alice recently celebrated 60 wonderful years of marriage.

He was a 36 year employee of the former New York Telephone Company working as a lineman, retiring in 1991.

Dan enjoyed gardening and was well-known for his "green thumb" in growing flowers and vegetables, especially his tomatoes, that he happily shared with friends and neighbors. He also enjoyed rabbit hunting with his beagles and simply being out in the woods enjoying nature. Dan's love of children, and handsome white beard, led him to play Santa Claus for the villages of Dolgeville and Herkimer for over 10 years. Dan was affectionately known as "Boots" by the staff and fellow patrons at the local coffee shop "Motors Inn", where he enjoyed visiting for a donut every morning for years.

He is survived by his wife Alice of 60 years, his sons and their wives Mark (Ellen) Bennett of Salisbury, Michael (Helen) Bennett of Macedon, NY, Frederick (Robyn) Bennett of Salisbury, Daniel (Lisa) Bennett of Little Falls, Edward (Denise) Bennett of Syracuse, his daughters and their husbands Kay (Jeff) Stegich of Richardson, TX, Marie Travis of The Woodlands, TX, Nancy (Paul) Cizik of Casa Grande, Arizona, Karen (Phil) Zeller of Bakersfield, CA, , his grandchildren Matthew, Emily, Ethan, Brooke, Christina, David, Laura, Eric, Lauren, Daniel, Morgan, Luke, Ryan, B. James, Chase, Scott, Brianne, Alissa, and Michael;and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sisters, Jane Sabin and Mary Doorey.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday December 7, 2016 at 11 am at the Roberts Funeral Home  located at 3 Faville Avenue in Dolgeville. Deacon James Bower of St. Joseph’s & Holy Family Church will offer prayers. Burial with Military Honors will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery. Calling hours will occur on Tuesday December 6th from 4-6 PM at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in honor of Dan to the Salvation Army 431 N. Prospect Street Herkimer, NY 13350.

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