Kim M. Bennett
November 20, 1951 — February 11, 2024
Groton
Kim M. Bennett, 72, of Groton, passed away at home unexpectedly on February 11, 2024.
Kim was born on November 20, 1951 in Cortland, son of the late Albert J. "AJ" and Jeanne (Morgan) Bennett. After graduating from Groton Central School, Kim entered the military and continued his career in the public safety field.
In naming Kim to her Veterans' Hall of Fame, Senator Pam Helming wrote the following:
"Vietnam War veteran Kim Bennett served in two branches of the military- the Air Force and the Army- and received numerous medals and recommendations from both branches. Bennett saw combat in Vietnam and Panama during his 20 years of service and served as a military police officer. Awards include the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry, NCO Professional Development Ribbon, Expert Badge for M16, and National Defense Ribbon with a bronze star, among many others."
" After retiring from the service, Bennett continued his service to our community by working as a private detective and correction sergeant. After an injury forced his retirement, he undertook his third career as the judge in the Town of Genoa, where he sat on the bench for 12 years. His years of experience in the military and in corrections allowed him to make a difference in the lives of people who came before him in court, no matter what situation they found themselves in."
Kim is survived by his wife, Brenda (Stevens) Bennett; his daughters: Bobbi Jo (Shaun Ostrander), Andrea (Todd Eldred), Abigail (Luke Angell), Elizabeth (Dan Kane), and Olivia (Jesse Peck); grandchildren: Taylie and Kameryn Coombs; Ryan Bennett-Hamm, Makenna and Hudson Eldred; Emmaline, Isaiah, AnnaBeth and Timothy Angell; Quinn and Ailish Kane; and Arabella Peck; his sister, Kathy Belonsoff (Frank) and nephews, Frank Jr. & Michael Belonsoff; and the mother of his children, Lorraine (Kenyon) Bennett.
Friends may call from 3:00-6:00 PM on Friday, February 23, 2024 at the Shurtleff Funeral Home, 103 Lincoln Avenue, Groton. Services, with military honors, will immediately follow the calling hours at 6:00 PM at the funeral home. Friends and family will gather afterwards at the Post 800 American Legion Home.