Northborough – George Jesse Bender, Jr. (Jerry), 85, beloved father, grandfather and a proud veteran, passed away peacefully on March 31, 2023. After a brief decline in health, he passed surrounded by the love and support of his family.
George was raised in Chappaqua, NY by Therese (Roedel) and George J. Bender. After his graduation from Horace Greeley H.S., George obtained a B.S. in Economics from The Wharton School of University of Pennsylvania and went on to earn a Juris Doctorate at Brooklyn Law School.
After relocating to California, George then enlisted in the Air Force where he honorably served his country as a captain in Strategic Air Command during the Vietnam War. Upon the completion of his tour of duty, George returned to California where he practiced law. In 1970 George relocated his young family to Massachusetts to work for Massport as Director of Operations at Logan Airport. George later worked for Butler Aviation as Regional Vice President and subsequently for Geac Commercial Systems.
George engaged, strengthened and elevated so many communities. He volunteered countless hours to Tower Hill Botanic Gardens, Community Harvest Project, Northborough Trails Committee and as a tax preparer for AARP. Family and friends loved to hear George play the piano, guitar, harmonica and ukulele. Frequently, George would share his musical talents at the Northborough Senior Center. His children and grandchildren loved his attention, sense of humor and sharing Great Adventures.
George will be greatly missed by his four children, Laurie Covino and her husband Christopher of Northborough, Jesse Bender and his wife Amanda of Roanoke, VA, Scott Bender and his wife Lindsay of Santa Cruz, CA, Farrell Bender and his wife Diana of Los Angeles, CA; seven grandchildren, Grace, Max, Zachary, Michael, Liam, Olive, and Finnegan; George’s brother Philip Bender and his wife Kathleen of Cottonwood, AZ; his nephew Philip Bender and niece Nancy Drago.
Calling hours will be held from 5-7PM on Wednesday, April 12 at Hays Funeral Home, 56 Main Street, Northborough. George’s memorial service will be held at the funeral home at 11AM on Thursday, April 13 followed by interment with Military Honors in the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Winchendon.
In lieu of flowers, George’s family respectfully suggest memorial contributions be directed to the Community Harvest Project, 37 Wheeler Rd, North Grafton, MA, 01536 www.community-harvest.org or to New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill, P.O. Box 598, Boylston, MA 01505 www.nebg.org.
To leave an online condolence please visit www.HaysFuneralHome.com.
