Submitted by: Dan Rich

South Bend Tribune 7/13/2002

Russell W. Bennitt

March 16, 1914 - July 11, 2002

Russell W. Bennitt, 88 years old, residing on Wall Street, South Bend, passed away at 9:22 p.m. on Thursday, July 11, 2002 at the emergency room of the Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center, South Bend. Mr. Bennitt was born on March 16, 1914 in New Carlisle, Ind., to the late Ora and Alice Bennitt. He has been a lifelong area resident. On October 4, 1958 in South Bend at Grace United Methodist Church, he married the former Margaret (Benninghoff) Thomas, who survives.

Along with his wife, Margaret, survivors include one step-son, Jimmie and Patricia Thomas of McAllen, Texas; three step-grandsons; five step-great-grandchildren. Two sisters and three brothers preceded Russell in death.

Mr. Bennitt retired from the University of Notre Dame in 1979 from the Radiation Laboratory. He was also a former employee of the St. Joseph Bank in South Bend. Mr. Bennitt served his country with the United States Army during World War II. He was a member of the Grace United Methodist Church, South Bend.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, July 15, 2002 at the Grace United Methodist Church, 3012 S. Twyckenham Drive, South Bend, Ind., 46614. The Rev. Ross Cook will officiate. Entombment will follow at Riverview Cemetery, South Bend. Friends may visit with the family from 2 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, July 14th at the Palmer Funeral Home, River Park, 2528 Mishawaka Avenue, South Bend, and one hour prior to services at the church on Monday.

Contributions in memory of Russell W. Bennitt may be donated to Grace United Methodist Church Building Fund.