BATAVIA — Leon C. Bennett, 92, of Batavia passed away Sunday (January 4, 2015) at United Memorial Medical Center after a brief illness.
He was born on July 23, 1922, in Batavia, the son of Fred and Ida (Bowen) Bennett. After graduating youngest in his class at Batavia High School, Leon enlisted in the US Navy at the beginning of World War II and subsequently worked on the P-38 Lightning… the only American fighter aircraft in production throughout America’s involvement in the entire war.
Upon returning to Batavia, Leon worked at Bell Aircraft Corporation, Scott Aviation, and ultimately retiring from Xerox Corporation. He was a lifetime member of the First Baptist Church of Batavia, and Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks (BPOE 950). An avid bowler, golfer, collector, and socializer…a great many people remember him as that guy who called bingo at the Elks Lodge every Thursday night, and the nut that went skydiving for his 90th birthday. He loved life and lived it to the fullest…you never knew where he might turn up.
Leon was predeceased by his wife, Marilyn “Pete” (Davis) who died March 29, 2004. He is survived by his three children, Michelle A. Ireland of Bar Harbor, ME, Ronald R. Bennett of San Diego, CA, Douglas P. Bennett of Portsmouth, NH; five grandchildren, and 7 great-grandchildren.
There will be no calling hours; a memorial gathering will be held later in the year. Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church, 306 East Main Street, Batavia, NY 14020. To light a candle, leave a condolence or share a story, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.
Arrangements are being completed by Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Home, 308 East Main Street, Batavia.
