Thomas B. Bennett

Retired Decorated Bridgeton Police Officer
 

Thomas B. Bennett, longtime Bridgeton Police Officer died early Friday morning March 21, 2008 at his home while under the loving care of his family and hospice. Officer Bennett was 68 and a resident of Greenwich.

He served the City of Bridgeton as a patrolman for over thirty-five years, walking the familiar downtown “beat” on Commerce and Laurel Streets. During his long and distinguished tenure with the police department he received a large number of accolades and citations for meritorious service. Although he was offered several promotions he always wanted to remain a patrolman for the purpose of “serving the people” as he said. His retirement was short-lived because he returned to the department after retiring as a patrolman and served another seven years as a dispatcher. His final retirement came four years ago.

Born in Fayette-Brownsville, PA, he was the son of the late Russell and Nellie (nee Truit) Bennett. For nearly eighteen years, he was a resident of Greenwich and for twenty-two years was the husband of Bonnie A. (nee Briggs) Bennett. Tom was pleased, even in declining health, to renew his vows with Bonnie on March 8th.

Tom was a US Army veteran and served in the early 1960s in Germany before being honorably discharged.

He was a member of the St. Teresa of Avila RC Church in Bridgeton and was a member of Meade-Woodward Post #1795 VFW.

He was also a longtime member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles in Bridgeton.

Tom was most dedicated to Local #94 Police Benevolent Association and had served as an officer and was a former president. He was proud of his involvement in helping to establish the annual Thomas Hamlyn Memorial Golf Tournament sponsored by the Bridgeton PBA. He also enjoyed playing golf.

In addition to his loving wife, he is survived by his beloved children, Pamela Reed and husband Roger of Upper Deerfield Twp., Cathy Bennett of Florida, Jack Gardiner of Bridgeton, Kelly Everly and husband Mike of Upper Deerfield Twp., Philip Travis and wife Julie of Deerfield Twp. and Joshua Travis and his wife Orora of Alaska. He also leaves grandchildren he adored, Stephanie and Joanna Kaufmann, Khristian Cates and wife Christina, Kourtnie Gates, Britton Everly and Philip and Haley Travis. He was even fortunate to meet his first great granddaughter, Kylie Gates. Additional survivors include brothers and sisters, June Robinson, Earl Bennett, Jim Bennett, Ronnie Bennett and Connie Bennett and a large number of nieces and nephews. His extended family includes his mother-in-law, Marie Briggs and sisters-in-law, Denise Green and husband Jim, Mari Shrawder and husband John, Jeanne McPherson and husband Chuck and Joan Briggs.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a “Service of Remembrance” which will begin at 10 o’clock Wednesday morning March 26th at the Freitag Funeral Home, 137 W. Commerce St., Bridgeton and will be followed by the origination of the funeral procession at 10:30 to the St. Teresa of Avila RC Church in Bridgeton where the Funeral Liturgy will be celebrated at 11 o’clock..

The burial will take place at the Cumberland County Veteran’s Cemetery in Hopewell Township.

Friends will be received at the Freitag Funeral Home on Tuesday evening beginning at 6 o’clock and also Wednesday morning from 8:30 until 10.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Bridgeton Police Explorers, 168 E. Commerce St., Bridgeton, NJ 08302, the St. Teresa of Avila RC Church, 46 Central Avenue, Bridgeton, NJ 08302 or to SJ Health Care – HospiceCare, PO Box 160, Bridgeton, NJ 08302.

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