Theodore Stanley Bennett

Theodore S. Bennett, “Ted”, of Lebanon, passed away Thursday (May 11, 2017) after a long illness at the age of 65.  Born July 10, 1951 in Norwich, he was the son of the late Clarence and Myrtle (VanCedarfield) Bennett.  He grew up in Lebanon and attended Lyman Memorial High School with the class of 1969.  Following high school, Ted moved from Lebanon, only to return a short time later to start his family.  For over 20 years, he worked as a supervisor for Tri-Town Precision Plastics in Deep River.  In his spare time, Ted was a motorcycle enthusiast, enjoyed racing and traveling but most importantly his greatest joy was found in his family, especially his grandchildren.  He leaves his loving wife of nearly 32 years, Cynthia “Cindy” (Dickinson) Bennett; their daughter, Michelle “Mickey” Bennett and her longtime companion, Robert Schmelzer of Lebanon; his stepson, Gregory and wife, Christina Stevens of Moodus; five grandchildren, Jacob and Summer Schmelzer and Brandon, Michael and Savannah Stevens; two sisters, Eleanor Stevens of West Virginia and Christine “Sis” Cruz and her husband, Naasson of Manchester; two brothers, Kenneth Bennett and his wife, Evelyn of Colchester and Wayne Bennett and his wife, Sandra of West Virginia; his father-in-law, Richard Dickinson of Portland; and numerous extended family and friends.  In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a son, Joseph Brian and his mother-in-law,  Joan Dickinson.  A Memorial Service celebrating his life will be observed 11 AM Thursday (May 18th) at the Aurora-McCarthy Funeral Home, 167 Old Hartford Road, Colchester.  The family will receive guests one hour prior to the service starting at 10 AM.  Burial will follow in St. Mary Cemetery, Portland.  The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the staff at Apple Rehab in Colchester for the exemplary care and concern for Ted and his family during his convalescence.  In recognition, those who wish may make memorial donations to the Apple Rehab Recreation Fund, 36 Broadway, Colchester 06415 or to Middlesex Hospital, Office of Philanthropy, 28 Crescent St., Middletown 06457 (or online at www.middlesexhospital.org/donate-now).