James Allen Bennett, 74, died peacefully at home on November 21, 2022 after a lengthy battle with pulmonary fibrosis.  Allen was born on January 14, 1948 to James O. and Caro (Arsenault) Bennett.  He grew up in Penacook and was part of a large extended family, with several family members living on the same street.  He had a rich family history, including an uncle who was the last person to paint the wooden eagle on the State House before it was changed to a metal sentinel.  His great grandfather originally owned a general store in Strong Maine, renowned for its toothpick and clothespin manufacturing.  Upon moving to West Concord, he opened another store and let people charge for goods during the Great Depression, carrying many families experiencing financial difficulties during that time.

Allen's dad was a carpenter and often brought him along on trips to the lumber yard and the garden shop, as well as putting him to work building homes in the Airport Road area and around Concord.  That sparked his interest in carpentry, which was a life-long hobby and professional endeavor.  Allen describes his childhood as blessed, interesting and full of love.

Allen had many passions in life – motorcycle racer, service manager, parts manager, salesman, contractor, finish carpenter, legislator and city councilor.  He loved taking things apart and putting them back together and began that at a very tender age.

Anyone who knew Allen, knows that the highlight of his life was on June 30, 1984, when he married the love of his life, his bride, Maura Carroll.  Together they had many adventures in travel, community service and gatherings with family and friends.

Allen was very proud of the 13 years he spent on the Concord City Council, especially his work to allow overnight parking in the city and the reinvention of Main Street and the downtown.  Allen was a problem solver and didn't care as much about adopting "policy" for the city as a councilor as he did about finding practical solutions to real dilemmas and everyday problems.  He worked very hard to make things happen.

Allen struggled bravely through his diagnosis, fighting to have as much quality time as possible with his bride, family and dear friends.  He was "one of a kind" and will be greatly missed for his humor, his strong sense of values, his political passion and his gentle kindness.

Allen is survived by his beloved wife of 38 years, Maura.

He is also survived by his nephew Benjamin Bennett and his wife Lindsey and son Tyler, brothers-in-law, Brother Tom Carroll, ofm, Michael Carroll and wife Misty and children David and Jamie, as well as cousins, extended family members and a treasure trove of dear friends.

Allen was predeceased by his parents, sister Bonnie Packard and brother David Bennett.

Memorial visiting hours will be held on Tuesday, November 29 ^th from 4 to 7 PM at the Waters Funeral Home, 50 South Main Street, Concord.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, November 30 ^th at 11:30 AM in the Chapel of Waters Funeral Home.

Burial will follow in the Calvary Cemetery in Concord.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate to the Granite VNA at 30 Pillsbury St., Concord NH 03301, where, together with Maura he received excellent and compassionate care.