Robert J. Bennett

Robert J. Bennett, 86, of North Syracuse, passed away Saturday, May 9, 2026, at home. A native of Canastota, Bob was born to the late James and Concetta Bennett and was a 1956 graduate of Canastota High School where he also played football. He attended Onondaga Community College for Criminal Justice and received his certification in fingerprinting.

Bob retired in 1980 after serving 12 years as a Deputy Sheriff with the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Department and was a qualified motorcycle officer. He also served as the President of the DSBA union. After that, he owned and operated Bobby B’s Bar and Grill in Munnsville for a few years. He drove school bus for the North Syracuse Central School District for several years. Bob was also a transport driver for the Military Enlistment Procession for the 174th Attack Wing. He was an avid hunter and maintained a hunting camp in Bernhards Bay for many years since 1974. He enjoyed country line dancing with his wife, Nancy. Bob loved to travel and visited Florida on a yearly basis. He attended St. Thomas Episcopal Church in North Syracuse.

Bob was predeceased by his parents, his daughter, Lee in 2002 and his brother, Jim, in 2022. He is survived by his beloved childhood sweetheart of 68 years, the former Nancy (Hinckley); his two sons, R. Scott (Patti) Bennett of North Syracuse and Rick (Kate) Bennett of Bernhards Bay; a brother, Richard (Catherine) Bennett of Canastota; five grandchildren: Wade and Tara Whitcomb, Michael and Josh Bennett, and Nicholas Bennett; and several great grandchildren and great great grandchildren.

Contributions in Bob’s memory may be made to Boys Town, 14100 Crawford St., Boys Town, NE 68010. 

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Dr. Adiltta and his staff at CNY Family Care and Dr. Yaeger and staff at Hematology-Oncology Associates. Special thanks to Patti Bennett for the compassionate and loving care she provided her father-in-law during his illness but especially for the tremendous support and love she has given to her mother-in-law during this difficult time. 

Friends may call on Monday, May 18, from 4:00pm – 7:00 pm at Krueger Funeral Home, 2619 Brewerton Rd., Mattydale. Prayer Services will start on Tuesday, 9:15 am, at the funeral home followed by a 10:00 am Mass of Christian Burial at St. Rose of Lima Church. Burial will be in North Syracuse Cemetery.