Ralph E. Bennett

BERLIN-Ralph E. Bennett III (Joe), 90, of Berlin passed away peacefully on March 19, 2025, at his home in Berlin VT, surrounded by family and friends. Joe was born to Suzie B. (Willey) Bennett and Ralph E. Bennett II on July 29, 1934. He married Vivian L. (Aldrich) Bennett in 1980. They blended their families and made their home in Berlin, Vt. In the mid 1950’s Joe worked for Diamond International Papers in Northumberland, NH; following work there he became a “jack of all trades”, to include carpentry, roofing, painting, and farming. He started his own business (Bennett’s General Contracting) in the 1980’s”. Joe was a hard worker and worked well into his late 80’s. Joe loved hunting and fishing and providing for his family. One of his most accomplished achievements was building his own home in Lancaster, NH in the 1960’s. During the winter months you could find Joe plowing, shoveling, or doing work inside; in the summer he loved to garden, plant flowers, hay, and be outdoors. Joe loved the Lord Jesus and accepted him as his savior; near his passing he commented that he loved his parents dearly; they didn’t have much growing up but had what they needed to get by, along with a house full of love. He was always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need and that was instilled in him at a very early age, quitting school to go to work and help support his family. Joe is predeceased by his parents (Ralph and Suzie), three sisters (Martha, Ruth, and Betty), two brothers (Sonny and Richard), a grandson (Brody Robinson), a stepson (Francis Hathaway Jr.), and a step-son-in-law (Peter Buskey). Joe is survived by his wife Vivian of 44 years, his brother Bernard Bennett of Barre, Vt, his children Joyce Bennett Bernier (Rick) of Lancaster, NH, Ralph Bennett III (Cindy) of Lancaster, NH, Jodie England (David) of Whitefield NH; Step children Rebecca Buskey Downing (Chet) of Holderness, NH, John W. Hathaway (Maria) of East Corinth, Vt, Troy A. Bennett of Berlin, Vt, Jesse W. Hathaway (Rhiannon) of Barre, Vt, Sonia M. Rogers (Jesse) of Barre, Vt. Numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. Joe will be dearly missed by those he loved and all who loved him. A Memorial Service celebrating Joe’s life, and officiated by Trey Cates, will be held at Faith Community Church on Saturday, March 29th at 2:00 p.m. Arrangements are in the care of Pruneau-Polli Funeral Home, 58 Summer Street Barre.

Tributes

Ralph E. Bennett

July 29, 1934 - March 19, 2025