The members of Canton Fire and Rescue express our deepest sympathies to the family of Past Chief William "Bill" Bennett. Past Chief Bennett passed away this morning at his home, surrounded by his family. Chief Bennett joined the Canton Fire Department on October 4, 1973 and remained a member until the time of his death. He served as an Assistant Chief and then served as Chief of Department from April 1991 - March 1993.

His obituary follows.

Memorial service for William H. “Bill” Bennett, 80, of Canton will be held on Thursday, February 23, 2017 at 6:00 PM at the O’Leary Funeral Home, Canton with Lay Pastor Donna Doig, officiating. Bill passed away on Monday, February 20, 2017 while in the comfort of his home, surrounded by his loving family.

Calling hours will be held on Thursday also, from 2:00 PM until the time of the service. Contributions in his memory may be made to Hospice and Palliative Care of the St. Lawrence Valley, 6805 US Hwy 11; Potsdam, NY 13676 or to the Canton Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad, 77 Riverside Dr.; Canton, NY 13617.

Bill is survived by his wife of nearly 60 year, Lynn of Canton; by two sons, Scott (Debbie) Bennett of Colton and Brian Bennett of Canton; by four daughters, Lynda Bennett of Massena; Terri (Gary) Cotter of Canton; Lisa (Randy) Frank of Canton and Valerie (Dave) Stevenson of Canton. Also surviving are seven grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren and two sisters, Barbara Roberts of Remsen and Nancy (Allen) Yauger of West Lyden.

Bill is predeceased by two brothers, Richard and Dale Bennett.

Bill was born May 30, 1936 in Sommerville, NY, the son of the late Harley and Florence (Rood) Bennett. He graduated in 1955 from Canton High School. On May 25, 1957, he married Madelyn “Lynn” Santamont at St. Mary’s Church in Potsdam. Bill drove feed truck for Fred Laflair before being employed by the village of Canton, retiring in 1998 after 25 years of service.

Bill was a member of the Canton Club, an associate member of the Canton VFW Post 1231, a member of the Coffee Club at Canton Fire and a 40 plus year member and Past Chief of Canton Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad.

To view Bill's online obituary and share a memory, condolence or photo, please visit www.olearyfuneralservice.com.