ALBANY – S. Robert Bennett, 89, of Albany, passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 12, 2019 in the Hospice Inn at St. Peter’s Hospital with his loving wife, Noreen Quinn Bennett, at his side. Bob was born in Newtownforbes, County Longford, Ireland on June 20, 1930. He was the son of the late Robert Bennett and Ellen Abbot Bennett. Bob’s mother died when he was six and his father when he was nine. As a young man, he went to England to seek employment. He was hired by the Duchess of Portland at Welbeck Abbey. However, his goal was to get to America so he next accepted a position at Government House in Bermuda since it was closer to the United States. Later he applied for a visa to go to the United States, but the Governor, who was his boss, refused to grant him one. So Bob returned to England and went to work at the Belgian Embassy. He had turned down a job with Lord Mountbatten because at the Belgian Embassy he would not have to pay England’s high taxes.
In 1952, Bob emigrated to the United States. He arrived on Tuesday and went to work for the New York Telephone Company on Friday. Bob’s longest employment of 37 years was at the New York State Executive Mansion. He lived in the mansion for twenty years – “longer than any Governor” – he used to say. He moved out of the mansion in 1974 when he married Noreen Quinn in a ceremony at the Mansion. Bob served under six Governors: Dewey, Harriman, Rockefeller, Wilson, Carey and Mario Cuomo, most of that time as the manager of the Executive Mansion. When asked who was his favorite Governor, he would always say that they all were fine people elected by the good people of New York State.
Outside of his employment, Bob loved being with family, traveling in the United States and Europe and especially his many trips to Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales to visit his sisters and their families.
Governor Mario Cuomo wrote a note to Bob on the occasion of Bob’s retirement which expresses the thoughts and feelings of Bob’s family and friends at this time. He wrote “Time will pass but we won’t forget… your excellence, your kindness, your dignity and your charm.” We also will not forget Bob’s steadfastness and soft brogue. We are all grateful for the compassionate care Bob received at the Hospice Inn and the many kindnesses and exceptional support from our dearest friends and neighbors.
In addition to his beloved wife, Bob is survived by his sisters, Muriel Jones of Ireland and Ruth Stanford (Peter) of England; his sister-in-law Mary Ellen Sartoris (Paul) of Niskayuna; his nieces and nephews: Virginia Madoc of Wales, Iain McDonald (Joan) of Wales, Gwenda Rainford (Paul), Richard Stanford, Pauline Conway (Steve), Pamela Allan (David) and Robert Orzel (Denise) all of England, Alexander Jones and David Jones of Ireland, Kevin Sartoris of Peterborough, NH, Karen Bonk (Edward) of Ballston Lake, and Janet Wheeler (Gregory) of Clifton Park. He is also survived by many great nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents and his siblings: Thomas Bennett, Elizabeth McDonald, Frances Draper, and Rachel Orzel, and his nephew, Brian Orzel.
Funeral services will be held in the Hans Funeral Home, 1088 Western Ave., Albany, Saturday at 12:00 noon, and from there to Westminster Presbyterian Church, 262 State St, Albany, at 1:00 p.m. Relatives and friends are invited, and may call at the funeral home Friday from 4-7 p.m. Interment will be in Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery, Niskayuna. The family suggests memorial contributions to Community Hospice, or to a charity of one’s choice. To leave a message of condolence for the family or obtain directions to the funeral home, please visit www.HansFuneralHome.com.
Click here to view Bob’s resting place in Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery, Niskayuna, NY 12309.
Cathy Robinson
Dear Noreen,
We were so very sorry to hear about Bob. We have many fond memories of you and Bob from our Sartoris family gatherings whenever we would visit NY. Please know we are keeping you in our prayers.
With Love and Deepest Sympathy,
Scott and Cathy Robinson
Geraldine Patneaude
Dear Noreen,
I am so sorry to hear of Bobs passing. What a special gentleman. He will be so missed. My prayers and thoughts are with you at this time. Charlie and I loved you both.
Geri Patneaude
Mary Ann Millett
My thoughts and prayers are with you, as always. May Bob rest peacefully
Rosalind and Richard DiDonato
Dear Noreen and family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Bob was a very special person, soft spoken with that brogue everyone loved. He was always smiling and happy. He will be missed but as you said, he is enjoying his parents and his siblings who he has not seen in a long time. God has a very special place for Bob. Our prayers and love to you and to Bob’s family.
All of our love and sympathy,
Richard and Roz DiDonato
Joyce Chupka
Dear Noreen,
Wanting you to know how sorry I am that your beloved husband has made his transition. I’m sorry for the sense of loss you are feeling for his physical presence. And what a magnificent physical presence he had! The bond you shared here on earth is only an inkling of the powerful connection you will have forever, as you know so well. Still , to loose the love of your life is deeply painful, no matter what.
Noreen you are an amazing woman who radiates such spiritual energy. We are all blessed to have known Bob and especially to know you.
Surrounding you with love and sympathy,
Joyce Chupka
Terry Lynn Cochrane Blaich
Dear Noreen,
So sorry to hear about Bob. He was not only a cousin to my dad but a friend also. As a kid growing up in Northern New York I will never forget him driving up to visit his relatives.
Also I will never forget how kind you and Bob were when my mom and Dad passed away. May he RIP.
Karen Dee
Noreen and Family, my deepest sympathy. Bobs career was remarkable. Noreen, I always enjoyed hearing about your travels with Bob and the interesting life the two of you shared. Love, Karen
Dennis Anderson
Bob was a lovely man and helpful with information to this new curator at the Executive Mansion. I could always count on his help and advice.
Donna Miller
Dear Family- I was staff to Matilda Cuomo from 1985-1993. During this time, I maintained an office on the 2nd floor of the Mansion. I saw Robert on a daily basis during those years. He was always professional and helpful but never failed to go the extra mile. Many evenings he made sure I had dinner or a snack, a peaceful place to work and a good break with great stories and a smile. I have fond memories of his friendship, his loyalty and his great knowledge and care for the Mansion and all of its residents and visitors. Thank you for sharing this remarkable man with us for so long. I will always remember his courtesty and caring in this time when both are sadly missing from our world.
Laurene OBrien
Dear Noreen,
I am so very sorry that you have had this major loss. Bob was a kind and gentle loving man. May your grieving be gentle. Love Laurene