East Greenbush, NY – Richard L Bender, 89, of East Greenbush, passed away peacefully on Friday, December 9, 2022 at home surrounded by his family. Richard was a lifelong resident of East Greenbush.
He was the son of the late Leonard and Veronica Bender. Rich was a proud Navy veteran of the Korean War and then continued his public service as an Equipment Operator for the Town of East Greenbush DPW for over 30 years.
He loved coaching his sons in Little League and was an avid athlete and sports fan, especially for the NY Giants. He also enjoyed camping and picnics with his family, relaxing on the beach, and traveling with his wife.
Rich was a member and past Commander of the Melvin Roads American Legion Post 1231 and a member of VFW Post 7338.
Rich treasured his 62 year marriage to his devoted wife, Grace, and is survived by his six children: Richard (Carolyn) Bender Jr, Jeffrey Bender, Susan (John) Novak, Timothy Bender, Michael Bender, and Jennifer (Mark) Quail. He is also survived by his six grandchildren Lauren (Jason) Martin, Erica Bender, Madeline and Olivia Novak, Ethan and Deidre Quail, two great-grandchildren Cole and Caroline Martin, his sister Kathryn Bellinger, and many nieces and nephews.
He is predeceased by his brothers Kenneth, Edward, Andrew, and Wayne, and his sister Jean.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend his calling hours 4-7 pm on Thursday, December 15th at the Rockefeller Funeral home, 165 Columbia Tpk Rensselaer. Friends and family are also invited to his funeral mass at 10 am at the Church of St Mary at Clinton Heights on Saturday, December 17th. Interment will follow at the Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in East Greenbush.
Contributions in Richard’s memory may be made to the Angelman Syndrome Foundation, 3015 E. New York Street, Suite A2 #285, Aurora, IL 60504 or by visiting www.angelman.org.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Richard, please visit our floral store.
