Ronald R. Bennett

Ronald R. Bennett, of Carlisle, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, February 21, 2023 at UPMC West Shore with his loving family by his side at the age of 82. Born in Sayre, PA on November 14, 1941 to the late Reo and Freda (Thrall) Galusha Bennett. He was the loving husband of Phyllis A. (Kryger) Bennett, with whom he celebrated 59 years of marriage.

Ronald served in the U.S. Army for nine years during the Vietnam Conflict. Following his honorable discharge from the Army, Ronald earned a Master’s degree from the Eastern Nazarene College in Quincy, MA in preparation for a career in the ministry. He later served as pastor for 12 years in various churches in Maryland and Pennsylvania, including a role as pastor of the former Church of the Nazarene, in Carlisle, PA.

Ronald was a member of the Lighthouse Church of God, in Carlisle. He was known by family and friends for his servant’s heart. 

After retirement in the 1990’s, he remained actively involved in the leadership team of the Lighthouse Church of God. Additionally, he continued helping others while working for both county and state agencies in a supportive role for individuals suffering from disabilities of various types.

Along with his wife Phyllis, Ronald is survived by a daughter Patsy DeStito (husband Jeffrey) of Marysville, PA; a son R. Brian Bennett (wife Heather) of Newville, PA; one sister, Donna Wheelock of Florida; grandchildren Dominique, Geno, Antonio, B. Dillon, and Fawn; Great-grandchildren Ava, Jackson, and Caine; and several nieces and nephews. Ronald was preceded in death by sisters Stella Jones and Ginger Talada, along with a brother Louis Tennant.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 p.m. Saturday, March 2 at Hoffman Funeral and Cremation, Ltd., 2020 Trindle Road, Carlisle, PA 17013 with the Rev. Stephen "Chris" Current officiating. Military honors to commemorate Ronald’s service to his country will immediately follow. A visitation will be held 7:00-8:30 p.m. the evening before at the funeral home, and also from 11:00 a.m.-noon the day of the service. Interment will be private at the  convenience of the family in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Ronald’s memory to the Lighthouse Church of God, 910 Calvary Road, Carlisle, PA 17013.