Cyril Bennett

Cyril “Cy” Jay Bennett, 92, returned to his heavenly home on September 13, 2020. The dearly loved Husband, Father, Grandfather, Brother, Uncle, and Friend passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his adoring family.

Cy was born on October 24th, 1927 in Verona, Pennsylvania to the late Archibald and Viola Bennett. Cy, his brother Calvin, his mother, and stepfather (Chauncey Zoller) moved many times early in his childhood before finally settling in Wheeling, West Virginia. Cy was proud to serve our country as a Sargent in the Air Force. He had a successful career working for CSX Corporation and was fortunate to be able to retire at the early age of 58.

At 33, he met the love of his life, Ruth Marie Gantzer (daughter of the late George and Ruth Gantzer). While bowling at the Elm Grove Lanes, he spotted what he described as the most beautiful woman in the world. They were married ten months later on February 16th, 1963. Together they had three beautiful daughters, Susan (Douglas) Hooper, Kristine (Pietro) Sinicropi, and Kimberly (James) Companion. There was nothing Cy wouldn’t do for Ruth and his girls. In 1964, as Ruth and Cy prepared for the arrival of their first baby girl, Cy looked at Ruth and told her that it was time to sell his beloved 1959 blue Corvette and build a home where they could raise their family. They spent 38 years on Crestview Drive surrounded by loving family, friends, and neighbors.

Cy was the type of man who could really do it all. He loved to make people laugh, never missed an opportunity to dance, and was a skilled ice skater. His daughters and grandchildren fondly remember him teaching them to ice skate and being in awe as he effortlessly glided across the ice. He was an avid golfer and loved spending time on the course with his friends and his daughter Susan. Everyone who was lucky enough to play alongside him says that he was the coolest guy in the club, the life of the party, and someone that everyone looked up to. Cy was a self-taught guitarist and could play just about any song by ear. He always loved playing for his girls while they sang along to their favorite songs “Don’t It Make My Brown Eyes Blue” and “Daddy’s Little Girl”. These wonderful family traditions continued with Cy’s grandchildren who loved nothing more than to hear their Pappy play and sing.

In 2002, Cy and Ruth moved to Columbus, Ohio to be closer to their adored grandchildren, Kaleigh (Zachary) Bagwell, Karli (David) Divoky, Dane Hooper, Kimberly Sinicropi, Cade Hooper, Bennett Companion, and J. Companion. Cy was the type of Dad, Pappy, and Uncle who always showed up to support the people he loved. He never missed a sporting event, school dance, concert, graduation, wedding, or celebration. He instilled strong morals, good work ethic, discipline, and loyalty in his children and grandchildren who will carry on his legacy.

Cy was exceptional at so many things but above all, he was the most patient, kind, and loving Husband in the world to his baby, “GG”, for 58 years. Their marriage was a truly beautiful love affair and an inspiration to all. Together they built the strongest, most loving family. He never failed to show his family just how proud he was and how much he loved them with all of his heart.

Cy led a life to be proud of full of love and integrity.

Celebration of Life

Wheeler Estate House

Oglebay Park, Wheeling, West Virginia

Cy’s Birthday, October 24th, 2020

4:30 PM

Family and Friends Welcome

Additional details about The Cy Bennett Memorial Golf Scramble, parking, and accommodations will be provided as soon as possible.