John Hayward Bennett

John Hayward Bennett, 86, of Sebring, Ohio, passed away on Saturday, October 11, 2014 at Copeland Oaks in Sebring. Born March 18, 1928 in Bronx, NY, he was a son of the late John Alfred Bennett, Jr. and Hilma Dorothee (Gunther) Bennett.

John lived in New York for much of his life where he was a graduate of A. B. Davis High School of Mt. Vernon, NY in 1946 before serving his country in the U.S. Navy at the close of World War II. He then earned his Bachelor’s degree from Mt. Union College of Alliance, OH in 1951 and his Master of Science degree in Library Sciences from New York State College for Teachers of Albany, NY in 1952. John again responded to his country’s call to duty and served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War prior to beginning his career in library sciences. In 1983, John retired as the Head Librarian and Coordinating Library Dept. Head for Clarkstown Central School District in New City, NY after 25 years. He served in numerous professional library organizations and was a published author of many books on Rockland County, NY history and family genealogies. While living at Copeland Oaks, he was very active in their library and instrumental in establishing their archives.

On June 3, 1951, John married the former Alice Elnorah Lindsey who survives him at Copeland Oaks. He is also survived by a nephew and two nieces: Warren A. Bennett, Jr., Virginia E. Bennett and Susan Bennett. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Warren A. Bennett, Sr.

In keeping with John’s wishes, he has been cremated without a public visitation. A graveside service, officiated by Chaplain David Parry, will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, October 21, in Evergreen Burial Park in New Philadelphia. Those wishing to honor his memory by a charitable contribution are encouraged to do so to the Copeland Oaks Life Care Fund.