John Donald Bender of Southold died peacefully at home June 20, 2015.
He would have been 88 on July 25, 2015. He was born in Patterson, New Jersey to John L. and Freda (Bruin) Bender.
John was a World War II Navy Veteran, enlisting on his 17th birthday and serving in the Philippines as well as on the USS Kearsage. He continued his service in the naval reserves for several years.
His work career had many reincarnations. He bartended at the family business in Patterson, Bender’s Cafe, later driving fuel trucks, tour buses and working as a roofer. His main career was in quality control, working for Ford Motor Company, and then getting into the newly developing aerospace industry. He met his wife Jane (GaNun) at Singer Kearfott Industries working on the LEM module that was eventually sent to the moon.
In the early 70s, he moved his family to the North Fork and began working for Grumman Aerospace. He retired from Grumman in 1988. He still worked driving tour buses and limousines, enjoying the people and places for many years.
John loved hunting, fishing, competition shooting and, most importantly, spending time with his family.
He leaves behind his loving wife of more than 40 years, Jane, his two daughters: Janique (Robert) Nine of Mattituck, and Judith (James) Finn of Huntington Station; and two granddaughters, Cassandra and Teagan.
Cremation is private with a memorial service on July 9, at 1 p.m. at Calverton National Cemetery. Arrangements are being handled by Coster-Heppner Funeral Home.
