In early evening March 10, 2025, Richard (Dick, Rich, UR) Bennett’s spirit departed his earthly body to be reunited with his parents, Harry & Doris, and older brother Chuck.
Living in Ocean City for the past 30+ years was the joy of his life. Prior to living there, he vacationed each year since his infancy. He experienced the bay first through the family cruiser called the “Five B’s.” Younger brother Dave remains as the last “B.” That boat was replaced by smaller speedboats that provided many hours of water-skiing pleasure to Dick. The boats were kept at Anchor ‘n Point, which included a restaurant where Richard worked as a short order cook. Add many evenings at the 5th Street Dance Hall followed by Bay Shores all added up to wonderful summers in his high school and college years.
Growing up in Abington, he graduated from AHS in 1961 followed by what turned out to be a lengthy 12-year effort at Davis & Elkins before getting his English degree from LaSalle. This set the foundation for many years of teaching English and as the Dean of Students at The Pennington School. His mentoring young people from Pennington and after his retirement is a fundamental legacy of his life.
The hosting of over 20 neighborhood block parties on Inlet Road is a standout of his neighborly legacy. These annual events were completely organized and staged by Richard at his home. Participation as a volunteer and secretary of the Gardens Civic Association reflects the love he had of his local community.
Many would describe him as “young at heart” which was best exemplified by his 4,200-mile 4-month long bike trip across the country when he was 75. His family and friends were extremely proud of such an achievement. Richard loved riding his bike to 59th Street throughout the year’s winds, cold, snow, and heat.
Rich was a humorous uncle and great uncle known as “UR” (Uncle Richard). His quirky personality and stories bring a smile to all that knew him. He looked on his life as a blessing and rarely took himself very seriously. He was a tremendous lover of animals, having 9 cats at one time and his favorite, Ivan, a parrot he had for over 40 years. Every creature and conservation causes were important to him. He’s fondly remembered for his unorthodox behaviors and philosophies.
Consistent with the way he led his life, Richard was not one for the formality of a funeral service. His ashes will be spread in the ocean off Ocean City at his Celebration of Life to be held on June 12. After the beach ceremony, attendees are invited to a dinner in his honor where memorabilia of his life will be on display – including the bike he rode from Yorktown, VA to Astoria, OR. Attendees are encouraged to tell favorite stories and remembrances of knowing him. Please contact Dick’s brother, Dave, at dab@hcbennett.com or call/text him at 443-695-9727 for details if you’d like to attend the June 12 get together.
For those interested in honoring Dick, a donation can be made to the Ocean City Humane Society www.hsocnj.com/online-donation/, 609-398-9500.