Dorothy L. Bennett Dorothy L. Bennett (née Zelesnick), 94, of Branchburg, NJ, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 10, 2026.

Born on September 26, 1932, in Raritan, NJ, Dorothy was the daughter of the late Joseph and Veronica Zelesnick. She grew up in Manville, NJ, alongside her brother, Joseph, and sisters, Janice and Christine.

Dorothy met the love of her life, Irving C. Bennett Jr., on a blind date to the movies, arranged by their uncles. The couple married in 1955, beginning a loving partnership centered on family, friendship, and shared adventures. Together, they raised five children and built a lifetime of cherished memories.

Dorothy and Irving shared a love of adventure and travel. One of their most memorable family experiences was a cross-country camping trip with their five young children, an adventure that created stories and memories to last a lifetime. Following Irving’s retirement in 1982, the couple continued their travels, exploring the world with family and good friends.

Dorothy enjoyed an active and fulfilling life. Her many interests included knitting, embroidery, bowling, and swimming. She also enjoyed playing volleyball as a member of the Branchburg volleyball team. Whether pursuing her hobbies, spending time with friends, or enjoying family activities, Dorothy embraced life with enthusiasm.

Dorothy’s commitment to her community was a defining part of her life. She generously volunteered her time as a Brownie Scout leader and served as President of the Country Hills Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary. She was actively involved with the Branchburg Township Library, served on the Local Assistance Board and the Somerset County Election Board, and worked for many years as a school crossing guard in Branchburg. Her dedication to helping others was recognized in 1998 when the Rotary Club honored her as one of the “Best of Branchburg.”

Above all, Dorothy’s greatest joy was her family. She and Irving were devoted parents and grandparents who could always be counted on to lend a helping hand. They spent countless hours babysitting, helping their children, and cheering on their grandchildren at sporting events, concerts, plays, and recitals. Dorothy took tremendous pride in watching her family grow and treasured the special moments shared with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Dorothy was predeceased by her beloved husband, Irving C. Bennett Jr.; her parents, Joseph and Veronica Zelesnick; and her brother, Joseph P. Zelesnick.

She is survived by her five loving children: Patricia Pierce and her husband, Rande; David Bennett and his wife, Deborah; Bryan Bennett; Jacqueline Bennett; and Michael Bennett and his wife, Mirella. She is also survived by her dear sisters, Janice Kozic and Christine Bogosh; her seven cherished grandchildren, Christopher, Meredith, Emily, Julie, Daniel, Matthew, and Jake; and her four beloved great-grandchildren, Mila, Nathaniel, Chase, and Ethan. Dorothy also leaves behind many special nieces and nephews.

Dorothy will be remembered for her generous spirit, her dedication to her community, her love of adventure, and, most importantly, her unwavering devotion to family. Her legacy of love, kindness, and service will live on through the many lives she touched and the generations of family she leaves behind.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Branchburg Funeral Home, 910 US Highway 202 South, Branchburg, NJ 08876.

Funeral services will begin with a prayer at the funeral home at 10:15 a.m. on Thursday, October 15, 2026, followed by a Funeral Liturgy at Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Church in Bridgewater, NJ.

Interment will follow at St. Bernard’s Cemetery in Bridgewater, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Dorothy's memory to the Branchburg Rescue Squad at https://branchburgrescue.org/donate/