Nathan C. Bennett Sr., Proud Bonacker

Nathan C. Bennett Sr., a longtime landscaper for the local Whitmore firm who enjoyed fishing on Gardiner’s Bay, working on the engines of cars and trucks, and spending time with friends at the Three Mile Harbor commercial dock on Gann Road, died of complications from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes, and surgery on Sept. 12 in Port Charlotte, Fla. He was 82. 

His son Nathan said, “My dad wanted a simple obit in The Star stating that ‘A good Bonacker has joined all the Bonac brothers and sisters in heaven.’ ” 

Born in Springs on May 15, 1936, to the former Harriet Havens and James Dewey Bennett, he lived in the hamlet for nearly 70 years, first on School Street and later on Gardiner Avenue. He graduated from the Springs School and attended East Hampton High School until he was old enough to join the Army National Guard.

He and Macaria Rodriguez were married in 1958 and had four children. Following her death in 2001, he moved to Port Charlotte, and later married Elaine Cullum, whom he had known in East Hampton.   

He is survived by Ms. Cullum, who lives in Port Charlotte, and his children: Nathan Bennett Jr. of Niantic, Conn., Peg Brown of Heathville, Va., and David Bennett and Liz Eddy, both of Hurlock, Md. Seventeen grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren also survive. Two grandchildren died before him. 

There will be no service in accordance with his wishes. The family has suggested memorial donations to a hospice of one’s choosing.