J. Robert Bennett | Educator, 79

J. Robert Bennett, 79, of Wallingford, an educator and singer, died of cancer Nov. 3 at home.

A native of Sayre, Pa., Mr. Bennett earned a bachelor's degree from Mansfield University of Pennsylvania. He began his teaching career at a Philadelphia junior high school in 1952 and later taught at Collingdale High School. In 1959, he joined the former Nether Providence High School as instrumental music director and was responsible for the school's marching band, jazz band, chamber music ensembles, and musical theater productions. From 1968 until he retired in 1993, Mr. Bennett directed the music programs at Wayne School in Radnor Township.

He thought the transition from high school to elementary school would be a challenge, said his wife, Eleanor Wilcox Bennett, but discovered he loved working with the younger children.

A talented oratorio singer, Mr. Bennett performed with many of the area's leading choral directors and organists. For 25 years, he was a soloist at First Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia and toured Europe with Elaine Brown's Singing City choir.

When he stopped singing in 2004, his tenor voice was still beautiful, his wife said, but he decided it wasn't doing what he wanted it to do.

Mr. Bennett enjoyed travel, gardening, model trains, the beach, and puzzles. He and his wife were subscribers to the Metropolitan Opera for 45 years and often attended Broadway shows. He was always optimistic and high-spirited, she said.

In addition to his wife of 56 years, Mr. Bennett is survived by his mother, Beatrice Bennett; a son, Christopher; daughters Andrea Sekal and Deb Sloman; and seven grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held  at 3 p.m., Dec. 22 at Swarthmore Presbyterian Church. . Donations may be made to Yeats Endowment Fund, Swarthmore Presbyterian Church, 727 Harvard Ave., Swarthmore, Pa. 19081.