08/19/2025
Joseph Robert “Bob” Bennett, 81, of Hop Bottom, PA passed away peacefully on Monday, August 18, 2025, comforted in his final hours by his loving family.
He was born on January 24, 1944 in Scranton, PA, the oldest of three children to Joseph and Eleanor Bennett.
He is survived by his four children Christian (Beth), Brett (Jolene), Darren (Catherine), and Greg (Kaitlyn), as well as his grandchildren Jonathan, Abigail, Sarah, Grace, and Mackenzie with her brother Cole. He is fondly remembered by his sister-in-law Beth Bennett, niece Laurie, nephew Ike, best friend Larry Noble, and many extended family and friends. He was formerly married to Donna
McMicken, with whom he lovingly raised their four children.
Joseph was preceded in death by his parents, two siblings - Lois and Roger Bennett, a niece Lana, and two nephews - Erik and Raymond.
As a life-long dairy farmer, Joseph’s life and legacy can best be defined by his perseverance - particularly in a vocation where there is no such thing as a day off, his resourcefulness in keeping aging farm machinery in use year after year - influenced by parents who shared a similar focus to make do with available resources while growing up during the Great Depression, and a strong-willed
tenacity to forge his own path through life. It would be an understatement to suggest that Joseph simply lived life doing things his way, but in all manners, his life-learnings informed the path forward.
Joseph took tremendous pride in instilling values to his children, grandchildren and friends, providing counseling on financial acumen as a long time saver and investor, and reinforcing the importance of keeping commitments in business and in life. One could often find a Wall Street Journal opened up to the financial
section to track family investments and serve as a guide for formative learning moments over the years. He steadfastly resolved to support his children and provide a space to live and learn while also providing a safety net of support during life’s most trying moments. Even in his final days, Joseph was intent on imparting advice in order for family and friends to persevere in their life pursuits.
Joseph greatly appreciated family gatherings, especially the food! He was famous for asking for “just one more sliver” of a helping of the traditional Sunday dinner at his parent’s farm, friends and neighbors Taylor’s famously delicious BBQ chicken, homemade blackberry cobbler with berries sourced from the farm, or daughter-in-law Beth’s rice pudding.
Sports and recreation were also an important part of Joseph’s upbringing, having participated in multiple sport disciplines in high school and as part of a softball league with his sons later on in life. It was not uncommon to see the Bennett boys playing a pickup game of catch on the front lawn or batting practice in the field. Additionally, he was an avid deer and small game hunter, and provided the training and encouragement for his children to continue in this tradition as adults.
Ultimately, Joseph will be remembered for his love and care for his family, living a life free of material excess with the intent on supporting loved ones for generations to come.
A public celebration of Joseph’s life will be held at Charles Litwin Funeral Home, 91 State Street, Nicholson, PA on Friday, August 22nd. Receiving hours will be held from 10-11AM
followed by a memorial service from 11AM-12noon.
For directions or online condolences, http://litwinfuneralhome.com/obituaries1/joseph-robert-bennett