PORTLAND — Anthony N. Bennett, 84, of South Portland, died on Nov. 8.

Born on April 28, 1927, in Portland, he was a son of John and Elizabeth (Vestale) Bennett. He attended North School and graduated from Cheverus High School. In 1947 he was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army. He worked for the U.S. Post Office for 25 years as a letter carrier.

Bennett enjoyed bowling and was a Maine State Champion bowler. In his younger years he was a great softball player and an excellent pitcher, often able to strike out several batters during a game.

An avid gardener, he took pleasure and pride in growing vegetables which he shared with family and neighbors. He also helped many neighbors maintain their lawns, removing the snow, and giving advice and guidance with property improvements and repairs. He always had his neighbors best interest at heart; he often negotiated with contractors on his neighbor’s behalf so that they would pay the most reasonable prices. As a result of his dedication, loyalty, and dependability, his neighbors affectionately called him the “Mayor of Kaler Road.”

He was a communicant of Holy Cross Church in South Portland and an active member of the American Legion in South Portland.

After 62 years of marriage, his wife, Lillian M. Bennett, died on March 20, 2011. He was also predeceased by his brothers Frank, Louis, Sam, James, Emery and John and sister Lucia, as well as grandson Anthony Brown.

He is survived by his daughter Patricia P. Brown and her husband Harry D. Brown; brother Peter James Bennett; grandchildren, Cynthia Persin, Angela Ripperger, and Stephen Brown; great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held at Holy Cross Church on Nov. 14 followed by burial at New Calvary Cemetery, 1461 Broadway, South Portland. Donations in Bennett’s memory may be made to The Maine Cancer Fund, P.O. Box 553, Portland, ME 04112. Condolences to the family may be expressed online at hobbsfuneralhome.com.