John "Jack" Bender

John "Jack" R. Bender, Sr., 72, of Lebanon, beloved spouse, father, and poppy passed into eternal life while at home on February 22, 2012, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born in Willimantic, CT on May 9, 1939 to the late Walter Bender and Mildred Babcock and became a lifelong resident of Lebanon. Following graduation from Windham High School, Jack worked at Electric Boat, Pratt and Whitney, and Windham Sand and Stone before starting Bender's Construction, a successful excavation business, in 1971. He was known to all as a hard working man whose kindness and generosity was unmatched. He loved spending time in his vegetable garden, getting wood ready for the winter months, finding the best deals at local tag sales and flea markets, supporting his grandchildren at their sporting events, and being a devoted Red Sox and UConn Huskies fan. He also loved to travel making Vegas, Montana, and Mexico frequent stops among his many vacations. Most of all, Jack loved being surrounded by his family, even more so when gatherings involved a baked ham and bean dinner, his favorite. He is survived by his loving wife of 39 years, Susan Parker Bender, his daughter, Lisa Gould and her husband Steve, and their sons Benjamin and Brian; his son, John R. Bender, Jr. and his wife Jamie, their daughter Jordan and son Colton; his daughter Laurie Judd and her husband Daniel, and their children Kaitlyn, Kyle, Kiana, and Kristopher; and his son Carl Bender and his wife Anna, and their son Alex, and daughter Andee all of Lebanon, CT. Jack is also survived by a sister Jeanne Vertefeuille, and was predeceased by a sister Judy Racicot. In addition, he will sadly be missed by many close friends and relatives that have been part of Jack's wonderful life. He was a good man. His family will receive relatives and friends on Friday, February 24th between 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. at Potter Funeral Home, 456 Jackson Street, (Rte. 195) Willimantic, CT. All are invited to attend the funeral service Saturday, February 25 at 10:00 a.m. at Redeemer Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall, Village Hill Rd., Lebanon, CT. Interment will follow in New Lebanon Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations are asked to be made in his memory to Hospice of Eastern CT/VNA East, 34 Ledgebrook Drive, Mansfield Center, CT 06250. For an online memorial guestbook, please visit www.potterfuneralhome.com .