Steven R. Bennett

MEREDITH---Steve Bennett, 77, died peacefully on February 8, 2024 at Genesis Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Laconia. Steve was born to Robert and Barbara (Lund) Bennett and lived all his life in Meredith. He graduated from Inter Lakes High School and The University of NH with a Bachelor’s degree in science. In 1970, his Meredith police cruiser partner, Sergeant Ken Hill, introduced Steve to his daughter, Monica. Steve and Monica were married in 1971. They would have been married 53 years this March. Steve always liked to joke that it was an arranged marriage! Steve loved Meredith and was very involved in the community. He served 43 years as a volunteer on the Meredith Fire Department. He was the Emergency Management Director for the Town of Meredith for 25 years. He loved fishing and was proud to be a judge at the Meredith Rotary Ice Fishing Derby for 25 years. He was a member/volunteer with the Meredith Altrusa Club (the Hot Dog King!), Wicwas Lake Grange, and the Greater Meredith Program. He leaves his wife, Monica, and daughter Kelly Bennett, but also has several others he liked to claim as “his kids and grandkids”: Jennifer and Peter Grinavic and son Cody; Becky and Brian Grinavic and daughter Lauren and son Kaleb; Candace Allen and Jeremy and daughters McKenna and Kaitlyn; Kenny Hill; and Sara and Cody Whitcher and daughter, Ayla. Their love and support helped Steve, Monica and Kelly through this long, difficult year. He loved you guys. Steve is also survived by his siblings, David Bennett, wife Pauline and their children David II-wife Audra and daughter Jilian; Michelle with husband Brian and Michelle’s children: Coral Gould and husband James and their children Ellie and Quinn; Danielle Wilber and her children Noah and Oliver Bryan; and Joseph Wilber, wife Jessica and son Oakes. Over the years Steve worked for Meredith Police, State Police, Fish and Game and H. A. Wallace Energy. He worked for 36 years at Meredith Village Savings Bank, retiring in 2022. Steve’s last year has been a difficult one with severe medical issues. The entire staff at Genesis in Laconia-from the Director, Office staff, Nurses, LNAs, Social Services, ARNP and the facilities support staff made such a difference to Steve’s physical and mental comfort. Their kindness and support for our family will never be forgotten. A Graveside Service will be held at 1:30pm, Thursday, February 15,2024, at the Meredith Village Cemetery on Route 3, followed by a Celebration of Life at Hart’s Turkey Farm Restaurant on Route 3 (233 D.W. Highway, Meredith, NH). Steve always had a smile on his face and a joke for everyone. Helping people was very important to him. So, in lieu of flowers, please donate or volunteer for your favorite local charity and pass on the kindness to someone. The Mayhew Funeral Homes and Crematorium, Meredith and Plymouth, are honored to assist the Bennett family.

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Steven R. Bennett

October 25, 1946 - February 8, 2024