Bennett C. Parkhill, of Lewiston, NY, passed away on Monday, June 25, 2018, in Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY. He was born in Niagara Falls, NY, on May 25, 1937, the son of the late Wilbur and Mary [Colver] Parkhill. Mr. Parkhill attended local schools and graduated from the former Trott Vocational High School.
He entered an apprenticeship program to become a journeyman electrician and became a member of the IBEW Local 237 in Niagara Falls and worked at various construction sites and industrial factories, until his retirement in 1997. He loved his job, particularly the camaraderie and brotherhood. For his service to the completion of the Power Project, he was honored in the 1995 book, “Hard Hats of Niagara”.
He was a former member of the civil air patrol and proudly served in the Naval Air Reserve for 8 years. Mr. Parkhill and his beloved wife Marie, met at age 13, making an instant connection. Serendipity took over and he married the love of his life on August 6, 1955 at St. Joseph’s Church in Niagara Falls.
He was extremely active in his church, St. Peters in Lewiston where he was a Eucharistic Minister. Mr. Parkhill was proud to be awarded the St. Joseph the Worker Award in 2010 in recognition of his long standing volunteer work in the parish. He also cooked at Heart and Soul food pantry for which he received many standing ovations.
Mr. Parkhill was a great cook and handyman, working on many home remodeling projects. Mr. Parkhill was also the repository of the family history for many years. In his leisure time, he enjoyed hunting, photography and golfing.
He and his wife also enjoyed traveling in their RV. He was an exempt member of the Upper Mountain Fire, Co.. and served as president and was an ArtPark and Festival of Lights volunteer.
Mr. Parkhill supported all the grandchildren in their sporting events, plays, scouts, music, arts and personal celebrations. In addition to his loving wife of 62 years, he is survived by three sons Bruce (Paulette), Rick (Sheri) and David (Kelly) Parkhill, seven grandchildren Michele, Stephen (Heather), Michael (Airinta), Christine (Steve) Beahen, April, Alicia and Justin, one great grand daughter Natalie Beahen, a brother Wilbur (late Nora) Parkhill, a sister Patricia Romanowski, also many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was the son in law of the late Michael and Christine Emanuele.
His family will be present on Thursday from 3-7 PM at the RHONEY FUNERAL HOME, 901 Cayuga Street, LEWISTON, NY. Friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Friday at 10:00 AM at St. Peter’s Church 620 Center Street, LEWISTON, NY. Memorials may be made in his name to the Upper Mountain Fire Co., 839 Moyer Road, Lewiston, NY 14092.
Entombment with Military Honors in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Niagara Falls, NY.
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