Richard E. Bender Sr.

BENDER - Richard E. Sr., 86; Johnstown, Died January 17, 2024.  Born July 28, 1937 in Patton, PA. Son of the late Harry and Catherine (Link) Bender. Preceded in death by parents; mother and father-in-law, Frances (Fannie) and George McDowell; son, Richard E. Bender Jr.; and brothers, Martin (Agnes) and Regis (Carol) Bender.  He is survived by loving wife, of 67 years, Nancy J. (McDowell) Bender; daughters, Rebecca wife of  Gary Woodruff and Bonnie wife of William Oleksak; grandchildren, Christopher Woodruff and wife Jessica and their children Dylan and Colt, Windber, PA; Ryan Woodruff and wife Amanda Renee and their children Morgan, Mallory, Molly, and Maverick; Amanda Woodruff and son Kael, all of Johnstown; Will Oleksak, Pittsburgh; and Casey Lovette wife of John Lovette and their daughter Olivia, Johnstown; brother-in-law George McDowell and wife Kathleen, Maui, HI; many nieces and nephews, and special friends Chris Zamboni and Bill Aurandt.  Rich was employed and retired from Conemaugh & Blacklick Railroad. The family would like to extend their gratitude to Windber Hospice, especially our “Hospice Angels”, Danielle, Mike and Steve, and also Sandy and Deb at Villa Crest for their compassion and care.  He was a wonderful, kind, gentle and dedicated husband, father, Pap and Pappy B.  There is nothing in this world he wouldn’t do for his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren and he will be forever loved and missed.  His greatest joy was spending time with his family, especially family trips to the Outer Banks, NC.  Rich and Nancy were blessed to spend many visits with his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, George and Kate McDowell to hunt and fish the beautiful Kenai River in Alaska, and vacation with them regularly in Maui.  Rich was a member of the former St. Columba Church where he was an Eucharistic Minister, member of the Men’s Club and volunteer with the bakers and the outside bar for many of the Ethnic Fests and picnics.  Rich embraced his Catholic faith and will be forever remembered as a true and faithful servant.   Currently a member of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, where Funeral Mass will be held Saturday, January 20, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. the Franciscan Friars OFM Conv.  Friends received Friday January 19, 2024 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at the Francis G. Ozog Funeral Home Inc. Broad Street. Donations may be made to Windber Hospice or St. Jude Children's Hospital in memory of Richard Bender.

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