Walter M. Bennett, a former owner of Brent’s Store and a commercial fisherman, died at home in Amagansett on March 31 of metastatic prostate cancer. He was 83 and had been ill for 10 years.
Mr. Bennett was a longtime member of the East Hampton Baymen’s Association and the American Legion. He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force during the Korean conflict and was also in the National Guard. He enjoyed spending his winters in Florida, watching the Yankees and the Jets. Survivors said he was an easygoing family man with a passion for fishing, lobstering and haul seining.
Mr. Bennett was born at home in Amagansett on January 13, 1931, to Brentford M. Bennett, who predeceased him, and the former Nancy Lester, who survives and lives in Florida at the age of 102.
He married the former Dorothy Simons, who predeceased him six years ago to the day he died. He is survived by two sons, Walter A. Bennett of Springs and Mark Bennett of Amagansett; two daughters, Lori Bennett of Florida and Kathy Bartman of Amagansett; 10 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
A brother, Brenford R. Bennett of Springs; and two sisters, Lois Tibbetts and Arlene Creaser, both of Florida, also survive.
Services will take place at a later date.
Memorial donations may be made to East End Hospice, P.O. Box 1048, Westhampton Beach, NY 11978, or the Amagansett Fire Department Ambulance, P.O. Box 911, Amagansett, NY 11930.