Obituary

Longtime Diocese of Rockville Centre reverend dies

Posted

Longtime Diocese of Rockville Centre member the Rev. Donald T. Bennett died on June 6

He was ordained as a priest in the diocese on May 27, 1967. He served as an associate pastor at St. Joseph, in Garden City, St. Agnes in the village and St. Anthony of Padua, in East Northport. He also served as a pastor at St. Joseph and St. Ignatius Loyola Church, in Hicksville, and as a professor at St. Pius X. Preparatory Seminary in Uniondale.

Bennett retired from his service in June 2011. He is survived by his sister, Marilyn Cooney; his niece, MaryAnne Brands (Paul); nephews, John (Lynn Cooney), James and Donald Cooney; and his great-nephews and nieces, Christopher Brandts, Aidan, Patrick, Braden, Colton, Caroline and Madison Cooney; and his great-great niece, Gabrielle Cooney-Weems.

Bennett’s vigil Mass was held at St. Ignatius Loyola Church in Hicksville on Friday, and his funeral Mass was there on Saturday. He was buried at Mount St. Mary’s Cemetery in Flushing, Queens. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the St. Pius X Residence for Retired Priests, 310 Cenacle Road, Ronkonkoma, NY 11779 in his memory.