Obituary of Mark J. Bennett

Mark J. Bennett, 63, of Darien died January 19 after a long illness. Mark, beloved husband of Betsy and adoring father of Jeb (Mark Jr.) leaves behind a large and loving family: his mother Patricia Bennett of Corning, NY, his sisters Patty Kahl (David), Mimi Petrie (Bruce), Kate Bennett (Steve Kondash), Barbara Kyrillos (Jean Claude), his brother Greg (Gina), his sister-in-law Tricia Bennett, and many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his father Paul Sr. and his brothers Paul Jr. and John. Mark was born in 1950 in Corning, NY. From the time he was a small boy, Mark loved building everything from boats to large commercial buildings. He earned a degree in architecture from Syracuse University and an MBA from the University of Virginia. He traveled the world for his career in real estate finance. While he relished his adventures, his heart remained at Keuka Lake, where he could indulge his passion for antique wooden boats. Just last summer he completed the restoration of the Virginia Dare, a 1927 Baby Gar, which he donated to the Glenn H. Curtiss Aviation Museum in Hammondsport, NY. He wanted to give back a piece of history to "the lake," which had always brought him such joy. A mass of Christian burial will be held on Saturday, January 25 at 1:30 pm, at St. Thomas More Church in Darien. Interment will follow at Spring Grove Cemetery in Darien. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Darien EMS - Post 53, PO Box 2066, Darien, CT 06820. Funeral Home: Edward Lawrence Funeral Home 2119 Post Road Darien, CT USA 06820