Denis W. Bennett, 94, passed away on Wednesday (April 1, 2026) at Hart Comfort House with his family at his side, following a lengthy illness.
Mr. Bennett was born on April 13, 1931 in Hull, England to Cpt. Charles and Ethyl M. (Williams) Bennett.
As a young boy he lived through the horrors of World War II firsthand and upon becoming 18, joined the Royal Air Force where he served from 1949 to 1951, attaining the rank of Senior Aircraftsman. Denis attended college for two years at Saltley College in Birmingham, England before finishing up his final two years at St. John’s College in York, England.
At a dance in Ipswich, England, he met his future wife, Pamela Hancock, whom he married on September 4, 1975.
Denis was a teacher for Ipswich Preparatory School, Westbourne Academy and Southcoates School, all in Ipswich, Suffolk, England and finished out his working career as an insurance salesman. He immigrating to the United States in 1981 and became a naturalized citizen.
Denis is survived by four daughters, Teri (Scott Mureddu) Toth-Fleischman of Wellsville, Beverly Mandy Chapman and Caroline Denise Jones, both of Ipswich, England and Pamela Shattuck of Oramel; one son, Howard Shattuck of Rochester; seven grandchildren, Katie L. Toth, Shannon Chapman, Tiffany Chapman, Troy Chapman, Nicole Wales, Joanie DePratt and Jon DePratt; a great-granddaughter, Aubrey L. Toth; and many other grandchildren.
In addition to his wife of 39 years, he was predeceased by two sons, Michael Shattuck and Jeffrey Shattuck and a brother, Raymond Bennett.
Denis loved spending time with family, especially gathering together at their home in Hammondsport around the holidays. He enjoyed his long and wonderful retirement with his wife Pam as they traveled the United States and the United Kingdom, visiting Arizona, Las Vegas, Florida and Georgia among their many destinations. More locally, he enjoyed playing euchre and canasta with friends at the YMCA and exchanging dinners at the homes of his friends.
Denis in many ways was a social butterfly. A favorite pastime was visiting on a regular schedule the many residents of their apartment complex on Merriam Heights in Wellsville which included the daily morning routine of coffee at the common room. And to solve any differences of opinions on any subject, both small and great, he would reach into his wallet and pull out his “I’m Always Right” card. With a sly grin on his face, that would settle the matter… in his eyes!
Per his wishes, there will be no prior visitation. Fittingly, a private graveside service will be held on what would have been his 95th birthday on Monday (April 13) at 2:00 p.m. at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Brockport where he will be laid to rest beside his wife.
Arrangements are under the direction of Baker-Swan Funeral Home in Wellsville/Scio. Online condolences may be offered at www.baker-swan.com.
Memorial contributions in Denis’ name may be made to Hart Comfort House of Allegany County, 141 East State Street, Wellsville, NY 14895. © 2026 Baker-Swan Funeral Home.
