Harold "Pete" R. Bennett

Harold “Pete” R. Bennett, 84

Beloved husband, father, grandfather and brother

Harold "Pete" R. Bennett, age 84, of Pelham, NH passed away on Saturday, April 30th, 2022 at Southern New Hampshire Medical Centre in Nashua, NH.

He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years of marriage, Pauline (Sole) Bennett of Pelham, NH.

Harold was born in Portland, Maine on April 23rd, 1938, the son of Harold W. Bennett and Ruth (Morrison) Bennett. Harold, known to all as Pete, grew up in Scarborough, Maine and was a graduate of Scarborough High School. He went on to attend University of Vermont and graduated from Northeastern University with a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology.

Pete worked for a number of years as an industrial chemist at UBS Chemical, Cambridge, MA, Thorstensen Labs, Westford, MA and Bixby International, Haverhill, MA. Then, in the mid-seventies, he ventured into real estate investment, purchasing his first apartment house. This sparked a new career direction and a lifelong passion. Pete enjoyed and valued being able to set his own course.

An active member of the First Congregational Church in Pelham, he taught Sunday school and served as trustee, deacon and chairman of Pelham’s Old Home Day for a number of years. Pete enjoyed a range of interests including country music, cross country skiing and had an avid interest in nutrition and holistic medicine. He also had an enduring love of history and politics and was a longstanding member of the NRA.

He was also an inspiring athlete, joining the competitive sport of powerlifting at the age of 50 and competing until 80 years old. Pete was a member of the American Powerlifting Federation and World Powerlifting Congress. During these years, he collected a room full of trophies and medals and achieved 3 world records in the Masters division at age 71.  These records remain unbroken.

Most of all, Pete was a devoted family man, who loved spending time with his loving wife, Polly, his children and grandchildren. He lived for family occasions and was known for his hospitality and generosity. Fourth of July celebrations at his home were a highlight of the holiday calendar for relatives and friends.  Pete touched many lives and in many ways was truly larger than life.  His loss is equally enormous.

Besides his wife, he is also survived by his five children: his son Peter Bennett and his wife Donna of Hampton, NH; his daughter Lisa Ames of Derry, NH; his daughter Lauren Rizzacasa and her husband Mark of Melbourne, Australia; his son Jonathan Bennett and his wife Debbi of Merrimac, MA; his son Benjamin Bennett of Pelham, NH and his fiancée Deena Gulezian of Methuen, MA;  grandchildren: Aaron Ames, Makena Bennett, Foster Bennett, Luke Rizzacasa, Emma Rizzacasa, Andrew Bennett, Katherine Bennett, Matthew Bennett; sister: Ann B. Houston of Boxboro, MA;  sister-in-law: Mary Bennett of Ocala, FL; longtime family friends Susan Libby and Ryan Chapman of Old Orchard Beach, ME; and nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Pete was predeceased by his brother George D. Bennett and brother-in-law Peter T. Houston.

Relatives and friends are invited to visiting hours on Friday, May 6th at the PELHAM FUNERAL HOME 11 NASHUA RD, PELHAM, NH from 4 to 7 P.M. A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, May 7th at the First Congregational Church, 3 Main Street, Pelham at 11 o’clock. Burial will follow in Gibson Cemetery, Marsh Road, Pelham. E-condolences/directions at www.pelhamfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, gifts can be made to the First Congregational Church of Pelham. Arrangements by Funeral Director James F. O’Donnell, Jr. (603) 635-3333.

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