Charles "Dickie" Richard Bennett
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"Little Dickie" Bennett died on December 5, 2020, at his home in Tucson, Arizona, at the age of 82. He was born in Zeeland, Michigan, on June 4, 1938, to Bennetta Ramsey Bennett and Thomas Franklin Bennett, Sr., both of whom have preceded him in death. He resided for many years in Caroline, St. Mary's, and Dorchester Counties in Maryland; he later relocated to Tucson, Arizona, always cared for by family members.
Dickie was known as a medical miracle because from birth he was diagnosed with hydrocephalus and was not expected to live beyond childhood. Despite his physical restrictions, Dickie possessed the amazing ability to recall birthdates of hundreds of family members and friends; and his ability to recite scores, statistics and other details of baseball teams was phenomenal.
In addition to his parents, Dickie is preceded in death by his brother, Thomas Franklin Bennett, Jr. (Mary); sisters Eleanor Bennett Hallowell (Jackie) and Marietta Bennett Balta; and his niece, Anne Baril Baker.
He is survived and will be greatly missed by his sister, Joyce Bennett Baril (Robert); brother-in-law Michael A. Balta; and numerous nieces and nephews.
In his final years on earth Dickie was lovingly cared for by his personal guardian angel, Maria Garcia, who regarded him as family in her Tucson home.
Dickie was a blessing to all whose lives he ever touched. He never met a stranger; he never forgot anyone whom he met if only one time; and he loved children. May he rest in peace in the comfort of a life well lived and a job well done.
Dickie was cremated in Tucson and his memorial vessel transported for a private inurnment service at Saint Andrew's Episcopal Church in California, Maryland.