Richard Bennett

Richard Warren Bennett, 86, of Desert Hot Springs, California, passed away on Monday, February 5, 2024  after a valiant battle with cancer.  Richard, aka Ricky to most, was born on March 1^st, 1937, to Mildred and Sidney Bennett in Boston, Massachusetts.

After graduating from Chelsea High School, Richard went onto join the Air Force and served four years with an Honorable Discharge.  Additionally, during his service he was most proud to have been chosen as an All Service Color Guard during the Selection of the WWII Unknown and Burial at Sea.  After serving in the Air Force and throughout his career, Richard was known for his entrepreneurial spirit—always finding opportunities of growth be it a Peace Officer in Newport News, Virginia, selling prefab homes, or establishing his own business in industrial computer sales and repairs.  Along the way, he developed friendships with strangers as he could always have a conversation or opinion with anyone about anything.  

He was a selective sports fan –Football had to be the Patriots with Tom Brady, basketball had to be the old Celtics team with Larry Bird, and of course, baseball had to be the Boston Red Sox. He had a passion for airplanes and became an independent pilot, which allowed him the ability to create his own journeys. Once in California, he volunteered his services as a Docent at the Palm Springs Air Museum and March Air Museum.  Later in life, he assumed a passion for golf and would often talk about his adventures (or misadventures) on the golf course with his brother Jim and friends.  

Richard enjoyed Karaoke and would try his best rendition of Frank Sinatra’s My Way when he had the opportunity to daze a listening audience. More times than once he received standing ovations. May he be equally well received at the end of his journey.

He is predeceased by his parents, Sidney (brother) and Janet Fee (sister).  He is survived by his wife, Donna Bennett, daughters, Gretchen Vatalaro and Erica Bennett, grandchildren, Evan, Rory, and Will, brother, James Bennett, sister, Melanie Hartounian, cousins, nieces, nephews, friends, neighbors, and his two beloved rescue dogs, Carla and Luna.

A memorial service will be held at a later date at Riverside National Cemetery with military honors.   In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Friends of the Palm Springs Animal Shelter, 4575 E Mesquite AVE, Palm Springs, CA 92264, an organization he felt strongly about.