Nicholas (Nick) Ralph Bennett

Nick grew up in Maryland with his parents, Ross Stanley Bennett and Elvera Marie Hesse Bennett, and three sisters. He joined the United States Air Force and served four years as an Air Traffic Controller while stationed at Dover Air Force Base in Dover, Delaware. Nick later attended Air Traffic Control School in Oklahoma to become a civilian Air Traffic Controller. He was then assigned to and trained at Reading Tower in Reading, Pennsylvania.

Nick found the love of his life, Marianne in 1976. They were married in 1979 and were together for 46 loving years. The family they grew together includes four daughters and 11 grandchildren. Nick and Marianne joined Messiah Lutheran Church, Germantown, Maryland in 1986 where they were always helpful, devoted and loyal members.

Nick changed careers in the 1980's after receiving his associate’s degree in computer science from Reading Area Community College. He worked as a computer programmer with ADPA before finding a wonderful position as Senior Programmer and Director of Midrange Development with Advanced Distribution Systems (ADS). He later worked briefly for ULLICO before settling in with The Humane Society of United States, where he worked as the Director of Data Services until he retired in 2020.

Nick loved spending time with his family. He loved swimming and diving. In 2018, he began to pursue an interest in beekeeping. Nick had a lifelong love of science fiction, trivia and loved to read. You could often find him working on a crossword or sudoku puzzle, completing his Wordle or watching Jeopardy. Nick’s family will always remember him as upbeat, loving and always making them laugh.

Nick is survived by his wife, Marianne Bennett and their four daughters: Jennifer Bennett, Eileen Gerau, Megan Montemurno, and Rebecca Bennett; 11 grandchildren: Nicholas, Joshua, and Elizabeth Sims; Alan and Ruby Wilson; Emma, Olivia, Gwenyth, and Alice Gerau; and Milo and Maia Montemurno. He is also survived by his three sisters: Anne Douglas, Patricia Wildey, and Barbara Hunter.

A visitation will be held at DeVol Funeral Home, 10 East Deer Park Drive, Gaithersburg, Maryland on Saturday, August 16, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM. A memorial service will be held at Messiah Lutheran Church, 13901 Clopper Road, Germantown, Maryland on Sunday, August 17, 2025 at 12:00 PM. A graveside service and interment will be held privately at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Frederick, Maryland.

In consideration for Nick's passion for beekeeping, if desired please make memorial contributions in his name to Montgomery County Beekeeper's Association, [https://montgomerycountybeekeepers.com/product/b-i-g-bee-impact-fund-donation/], 100% of the funds they receive will go toward promoting bee health and education