Everett M. "Ev" Bennett, 89, of Nazareth, formerly of Phillipsburg, passed away Wednesday, June 1, 2016, at Abington Manor at Morgan Hill. He was the beloved husband of Delores Smith Bennett, with whom he celebrated 68 years of marriage this past May. Born August 21, 1926, in Staten Island, NY, he was a son of the late Charles and Alma Johnson Bennett.

A member of the U.S. Navy, Ev honorably served his country as a Signalman 3rd Class aboard the USS Minivet II (LCI(L)-969) during WWII, and was the recipient of many good conduct and service medals. He worked as an Assembler for Ingersoll Rand, from where he retired in 1988 after 33 years of service. After his retirement, he enjoyed bowling and gardening and spending time with his family and friends. He was a member of the American Legion Post 415 in Nazareth.

In addition to his wife, Ev is survived by his loving children, Barbara Pursell of Minnesota, Nancy Gerhart and her husband Barry of Quakertown, Ann Ricci and her husband Jay of Corning, NY, and Jeff Bennett and his wife Lori of Bushkill Twp. He was a loving grandfather to Benjamin, Shannon, Paul, Jr., Justin, Jamie, Kristin and Amanda, and a loving great-grandfather to Chandler, Logan, Paul III, Austin, Hailey, Jayden and Corinne. Also surviving is a sister, Doris Hallet. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a brother, Charles "Joe" Bennett.

Family and friends are invited to call from 10 to 11 am on Monday, June 6, at the Schmidt Funeral Home, 407 Belvidere Street, Nazareth, PA, where the funeral service will begin at 11 am. Burial will follow at Northampton Memorial Shrine, Easton.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Everett's name may be offered to the Wounded Warrior Project, P O Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas, 66675, www.WoundedWarriorProject.org/Donate or to Compassionate Care Hospice, 363 South Route 100, Allentown, PA, 18106