Dr. Albert B. Bennett, Jr. ’54

DURHAM, New Hampshire, and formerly of CAMDEN — Surrounded by his three sons, Albert Bradley Bennett. Jr., 89, passed away peacefully Saturday, February 19, 2022 at his home in Durham, New Hampshire.

Albert was born December 11, 1932 in Camden, Maine, to the late Albert “Foggy” and Neva (McDermott) Bennett.

Albert grew up in Camden and graduated from Camden High School in 1951, where he excelled in basketball and baseball and formed a dance band, “The Melody Kings,” that played for dances at the YMCA.

He graduated from Maine Maritime Academy as Valedictorian in 1954. He shipped out on Gulf Oil tankers for two years and while at sea wrote the Maine Maritime Academy March, which was accepted by the Academy as their school song.

He returned to the Academy in 1956 to be watch officer on their annual cruise to the Caribbean and remained at the Academy as an instructor for the spring term.

Albert entered the University of Maine in the fall of 1956 and over the next three years obtained a Bachelor’s of Science degree in education and a Master’s in mathematics. While at the University, Albert met the love of his life, Jane Ann Chapman. They were married on June 11, 1960 in Auburn, Maine. They raised three sons, Albert III, Garrett, and Gregory.

Albert taught at Gorham State Teachers College for three years and was granted a National Science Foundation Scholarship to the University of Michigan. Then, in 1966 he obtained a doctorate degree in math education.

After teaching at the University of New Hampshire for 42 years, Albert retired as a Full Professor of Mathematics.

In 2009 he received the New Hampshire Mathematics Education Service Award in recognition of his teaching performance, and the materials and books he developed for learning mathematics.

In 2018, Albert received the Camden High School Alumni Association Award in recognition of his contributions as a university professor, author of math books, and as author of books on Cyrus H. K. Curtis’ Lyndonia ships that spent summers in Camden Harbor during the first three decades of the 1900s. In addition to his retirement, he wrote several books on his Camden family as well as his mother’s ancestors, the Robbins family, and his father’s ancestors, the Bennett family.

While at UNH Albert created Fraction Bars and Decimal Squares for helping children understand and learn about fractions and decimals. These materials are still being used at schools throughout the country.

He presented these materials at state, regional, and national meetings of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics.

He also wrote a textbook and an accompanying activity book for college students to give them the background and ideas for teaching mathematics with understanding. He also published eight articles in the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics journals to provide ideas for teaching school students.

Albert enjoyed meeting people and talking to everyone. He was a man of integrity and discipline, and applauded hard work. He was a mentor to many and a charismatic man whose company everyone enjoyed. He will be remembered fondly and with wonder for his lifelong achievements by the many who came to know him. He was a true gentleman and always was committed to listening, engaging, and respecting the people he met.

Albert was preceded in death by his parents; and his wife, Jane, of 60 years.

He is survived by his sons, Albert III, Garrett and his wife Raissa, and Gregory; his sisters, Joan, and Mary and her children, Lisa, Mark, Terry, Jodi, and Heidi; his brother Roy and is wife Jeanne and their children, Darren and Stacey. He was “Bumpa” to his grandchildren, Elayna and Liam; he is also survived by several other nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Services will be held Thursday, May 26, 2022, at 11 a.m., at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock St., Rockland, Maine followed by burial at the Rockville Cemetery, Rt 17, in Rockport, where Albert will be laid to rest next to his wife, Jane.

To share a memory or condolence with Albert’s family, please visit their Book of Memories at bchfh.com

Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock Street, Rockland.