Robert "Big Rob" C. Bennett, PhD, LMHC, CASA, 55, of Niagara Falls, NY, passed away on Thursday, May 20, 2021 in Buffalo General Hospital. Born in Buffalo, NY, he was the son of the late Robert C. Bennett, Sr. and Annie Whigham and the beloved husband of Vicky (Wideman) Bennett, who he married on September 12, 2012 in Niagara Falls.

Robert served in the United States Army as a medical specialist until his honorable discharge. He received his Bachelor's and Master's degree from Medaille College, and earned his PhD at Walden University. Robert was saved and filled with the Holy Spirit over 26 years ago at True Deliverance Temple.  Robert was an ordained minister and member of True Bethel Baptist Church in Buffalo, under the leadership of Bishop Dar, where he served as an usher at the Swan Street location.

Rob had a devotion to counseling serving as the program director of the Madonna House, a treatment center for woman with children who are currently recovering from substance and alcohol abuse. He then worked at Horizon Health Services as a senior counselor, then, the director of inpatient behavioral health services at Niagara Falls Memorial Hospital. For the past six weeks, Robert was employed at the Erie County Medical Center as the Assistant Vice-President of behavioral health and community services.

Big Rob, as he was known to his family and friends, was a gifted athlete and excelled on the Medaille College Basketball team. He continued to play in local men's leagues, most recently on the team called: "Friends." Rob was a talented gospel hip-hop rapper and lyricist. He was also a very spiritual driven man, and the author of two books, Letters to the Women I Love and U R Woman.

Above all, Robert was a devoted husband and father. He will be deeply missed.

In addition to his wife, Vicky, Robert is survived by his daughter, Lyria K. Bennett; his step-children, Darius M. Bryant, Laricuss Nelson and Deker Milton; four siblings, Al (Minnie Swanson) Whighman, William Arrington, Dorcel Arrington and Nicole Ketcher; his brother and sister-in-law, Michael and Valerie Wideman, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and co

Memorial donations in Robert's name may be made to St. Jude's Children's Hospital. Visit mjcoluccifuneralchapel.com for online condolences.