Washington Bennett, III

WASHINGTON BENNETT, III was born November 14, 1921 in Ocala, Florida to the late Washington II and Elizabeth Bennett.  Washington relocated to New York and graduated from Mount Kisco High School, where he met the love of his life, the late Carrie Lucille Chavis, and married on November 4, 1943. From this glorious union, a daughter and son were born.

Washington attended Tuskegee Institute and Prairie View State Normal and Industrial College. In 1942, Washington enlisted in the United States Army, where he served in the Battle of the Bulge and was awarded the Bronze Star and World War II Victory Medal.  He was honorably discharged in 1945.

Washington was a man of many vast accomplishments; he was the first African-American Master Electrician and the proud business owner of Bennett Electrical Contractors Corporation, in the Western New York Area; Past President of the Western New York National Electrical Contractors Association; member of the Rotary Club of Buffalo, NY; member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local #41 Apprentice Board; and the New York State Skilled Worker Emeritus. His commitment to pass on to other what he spent a lifetime developing was of immeasurable value to future generations.  As a contractor, he went on to build Gethsemane Manor and Church, Buffalo Light Rail Rapid Transit, Metropolitan United Methodist Church and numerous other projects throughout New York State.

A devoted family man and member of Lincoln Memorial United Methodist Church, where he joined in 1959, Washington served on numerous boards and committees. As a Trustee, he started a fundraising committee that showcased celebrity musicians and sponsored an annual concert at Kleinhan's Music Hall.  He also chaired a committee for the church's restoration and was honored in 2010 as Minority Business Man.

Washington was a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.  He was a master bridge player and, also enjoyed golf, tennis and loved to travel.  He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle, entrepreneur, mentor, hero and soldier.

Washington received his wings on Friday, April 14, 2017 at 6:56pm, at home, surrounded by his loving family.

Preceding Washington in death are his daughter, Anita E. Bennett-Johnson; his granddaughter, Coki Tai Bennett; and his grandson, Christopher Johnson.

He leaves to cherish his legacy one son, Washington (Nina) Bennett, IV; grandchildren, William, Kimberly, Rasheed, Trevor, and Jalal; great-grandchildren, Don, William, Andrew, Marcus, Thomas, Asley, Indica, Alexander, Taya, Adien, Alexia, and Coki Kani; a loving companion, Louise Kelley; three lifelong friends, Ruth Kennedy, Isabelle Travis and Hattie Anderson, and a host of other loving family and friends.

Family will receive friends Friday, April 21, 2017, 10 am at Lincoln Memorial United Methodist Church, 641 Masten Ave. Funeral to follow at 11am. Interment held at Forest Lawn Cemetery-Buffalo. 

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