Robert Charles Bender

Robert Charles (Bob) Bender - Born September 23, 1932 in Detroit, Michigan to Ernest William and Josephine (Michaels) Bender. Robert passed peacefully on July 10, 2023, surrounded by his loving family, after returning “Up North” as he had wished. He and his wife Betty were residents of Punta Gorda, Florida and summer residents of Lewiston, Michigan for many years. Survived by his beloved wife Betty Jane (Pitonyak) Bender, having just recently celebrated their 71st wedding anniversary. Loving father of Anita (Johnny) Miller, Lydia (David) Daniels, Suzanne (David) Ruth and Shelia (Richard) Griswold who will forever treasure the memories of their Daddy. Adored by ten grandchildren, Michael (Angel) Bender, Melissa (Kristen) Mahler, Deanna (Elisha) Lopez, Emily (Michael) Sherrard, James (Amber) Trendel, Robert (Hope) Herron, Lacy (Chris) McReynolds, Robert (Kourtney) Trendel, Curtis (Lyndsay) Herron, Stephanie Griswold, 14 great-grandchildren, his faithful companion Murphy Ruth, and a host of nieces and nephews. Also surviving are his wife’s beloved siblings, Anna Bachorski and Frank Pitonyak. Bob retired from the General Motors Corporation, Warren Tech Center after 27 years of service in facility security and was a 50+ year member of the Knights of Columbus, honorably serving as both Grand Knight and Faithful Navigator. He was an avid golfer, belonging to several leagues and bowled up until two years ago. He also enjoyed playing bingo, euchre and poker. Bob cherished the role as a family man that leaves behind a legacy of love, commitment and devotion. He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings Maurice Bender, Lillian Maccagnone and an infant grandchild, Amanda Trendel. Visitation Friday July 14th from 3-9pm with a 7pm Rosary service to be prayed by the Knights of Columbus at Wujek-Calcaterra & Sons 36900 Schoenherr at Metro Parkway (16 Mile Rd). Funeral Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated on Saturday July 15th, instate at 10am until time of funeral Mass 11am at St. Ephrem Catholic Church 38900 Dodge Park @ 17 Mile Rd. Share memories with the family at their "On-Line Guest Book" @ WujekCalcaterra.com Interment will be in Resurrection Cemetery in Clinton Township, Michigan, following cremation.

Robert Charles Bender

September 23, 1932 - July 10, 2023