CLAYTON, NY — Robert J. Bennison, 81, of Clayton and formerly of Frankfort, passed away Wednesday, July 3, 2019, at his home.
Calling hours will be held 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, July 8, at Cummings Funeral Service, Inc., Clayton. A prayer service will be held 10:15 a.m. Tuesday, July 9, at the funeral home followed by the 11 a.m. funeral Mass celebrated at St. Mary’s Church with Fr. Arthur J. LaBaff, pastor, presiding.
Robert was born Feb. 18, 1938, in Utica, a son of James W. and Ina H. Dodge Bennison. He graduated from LaSalle Military Academy, received his B. A. from the University of Notre Dame, and his J. D. from Albany Law School.
He married Margaret Mary Goodwin in September 1966 in Frankfort. The marriage was dissolved in 1986.
He was an attorney, practicing in Frankfort, and more recently worked for Christensen’s Realty in Clayton. Robert also had served in the Army National Guard.
While in Frankfort he was a communicant and lector at St. Peter and Paul Church and was a member of the Knights of Columbus. He was a member of the NY Bar Assoc., Elks Lodge and was past president of both Kiwanis Club and Mohawk Valley Country Club.
Locally, Robert enjoyed volunteering at the Antique Boat Museum and loved all things related to his beloved St. Lawrence River. He enjoyed golf, crossword puzzles, and travelling. He was a devoted fan of the Fighting Irish, especially Notre Dame football.
Robert is survived by his partner of 26 years, Emily “Candy” La Chance Quethera; four sons, James R., Robert M., Michael C., and Matthew T. Bennison; seven grandchildren; and numerous cousins.
A brother, James, passed away at birth.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his name may be made to either Hospice of Jefferson County, 1398 Gotham St., Watertown, NY 13601 or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
Online condolences may be posted at www.cummingsfuneral.com.
