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Former Southampton Town Trustee and bayman William H. Bennett of Westhampton Beach died January 30, 2018, at the Kanas Center for Hospice Care. He was 83. Born to Anna Fourney Bennett and William Halsey Bennett, he was a lifelong resident of the East End. He was a conservationist and lover of nature who lived to hunt, fish, and work in his garden and orchard. He was the proprietor of Bennett Seafood Market in Westhampton Beach from 1968 until 2005, where his fish cakes, crab cakes, clam chowder, and desanded steamers became famous.
He was elected to the Southampton Town Board of Trustees in 1982, serving for 14 years, and he was the subject of Ann Belle’s movie “Baymen, Our Waters Are Dying.” He was a member of the Westhampton Beach Fire Department, the Potunk Lodge Free and Accepted Masons, and the Westhampton Beach Conservation Council.
Mr. Bennett was predeceased by his daughter, Jacquie Bennett-Penner; and two sisters, Anne Sophy and Betty Helfant-Senese. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Jackie Parlato-Bennett; his daughter, Eileen R. Bennett; his son, William (Susan); and his grandsons, Wesley Bennett (Daniela) and Chris Bennett (April); and three great-grandchildren, Tyler Bennett, Sofia Bennett, and Luna Bennett. He is also survived by his brother, Donald Bennett (Arlene); and many nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held at Werner and Rothwell Funeral Home in Westhampton Beach on Friday, February 9, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. A memorial Mass will be held on Saturday, February 10, at 10 a.m. at the Church of the Immaculate Conception on Quiogue. A reception will follow in the church hall. Burial will be private.
Memorial donations may be made to the food pantry at the Church of the Immaculate Conception.
on Feb 5, 2018