Richard "Dick" Bennett

Richard “Dick” Bennett, 91, passed away on Thursday, August 7th at Barclay Friends in West Chester where he received wonderful care and support in their memory care unit. Born in Omaha, Nebraska to Ray and Mary Bennett, he spent part of his childhood in Lyons, Nebraska before moving back to Omaha to graduate from Benson High School and The University of Omaha with a degree in Psychology.

He worked in the field of Human Resources for over 30 years in different capacities, for a variety of companies, which resulted in moving from Omaha to St. Louis, Missouri; Dover, Ohio; Hudson, Ohio; and lastly Downingtown, Pennsylvania where he resided for the past 40 years.

No matter where he lived or what his job was, his passion was collecting. It could be anything that struck his fancy (clocks, marbles, knives, keys, stamps… just to name a few!) but his primary interest was guns, specifically antique Smith & Wesson. In his later years he sold off his gun collection to focus on antique bullet molds & reloading tools and became a renowned expert on that topic. He also “collected” many wonderful and dear friends during the annual and weekend gun shows he attended for 70+ years.

Despite the demands of work, family, and collecting he also found time to express his creativity and talents in numerous ways. Furniture repair, making his own quiver and arrows, caning antique chairs, leather crafting, amazing wood carvings, and jewelry making are just a few of the many projects he enjoyed over his lifetime.

Survivors include his son, Bill (Leisa) Bennett of Downingtown; daughter, Julie Heald of Glenmoore; son-in-law, Ed Heald of Exton; three cherished grandsons, Rob (Kaleigh) Bennett of Big Sky, Montana; Austin (Scarlet) Heald of Whittier, California and Lucas Heald of Exton; his sister Jean Neudorff; and nieces/nephews Brett, Buffy, Beth, Rick, and Troy.

He was preceded in death by both his parents; his wife of 46 years, Sue Lane (Neff); and his brother Bob.

Per his request there will be no funeral service. A cremation is planned with a private celebration of his life with immediate family. Memorial contributions may be made to Boys Town at www.boystown.org/ways or the charity of your choice.