Robert "Bob" G. Bender, of Meriden passed unexpectedly on November 4, 2018 at the age of 86. He was born in Meriden on March 1, 1932 to George and Anna (Kroll) Bender. Bob was the youngest of four siblings: George, Edward, and Dorothy.

He attended local schools and entered the Air Force at age 20 in 1952 serving for 4 years. Bob graduated college with an accounting degree and went on to work at Emhart until 1991. He loved travelling, skiing, and tennis. Canada, Switzerland, Costa Rica and Jackson Hole were some of his favorite destinations.  Bob was a founding member of the Meriden Ski Club in 1962 and enjoyed skiing both in the States and in Europe. Although he had no children of his own he always was sending postcards/bringing home trinkets of places we as children could only imagine. Bob was an inspiration for the Bender family children to travel, enjoy sports and give back to the community.

After retiring he became an enthusiastic volunteer at the Meriden Library and was known as "Little Bob". He was a devoted caregiver to his sister Dot for several years before her passing in April. He will be remembered for his quick wit and a dry sense of humor. Bob always had a video camera in hand.  His home movies are still enjoyed today.  As children we would often get together for popcorn and relive family special occasions all documented by Uncle Bob.

Mr. Bender is survived by his, sister-in-law Eleanor Bender and nieces and nephews: Christine Webster, Mark Bender and his wife Renee Dewey, Lisa Ryder of Quechee, VT, Maggie Bender, Eric and Kathryn (Fulton) Bender and Holly and Reb Buckley of East Lyme; fifteen great nieces and nephews: Kelly Webster, Steven Bender, Saralyn Bernabucci, Michelle Bender, Shaina Bender, Burke Ryder, Colin Ryder, Caitlin Manchester, Travis Manchester, Kara Marszal, Erich Bender, Liesel Bender, Morgan Bender, Sydney Buckley, Madden Buckley and ten great grand nieces and nephews. Bob was predeceased by his brothers George and Edward and sister Dot Bender.  He is also survived by several cousins- Frank and Jocelyn Miller, Doris and John Barys, Dick and Beverly Miller, John and Lorraine DeCarlo, Ed and Bill Kroll.

The family would like to thank the staff at the Village at Kensington for their warm welcome and care while adjusting to his new home albeit a short stay. Additionally, thanks to the physicians and nursing staff at MidState Medical Center Pavilion C for their kindness and care.

His funeral will be held on Saturday November 17th at 10:30 a.m. from the Stempien Funeral Home, 450 Broad St., Meriden when the funeral cortege will proceed to St. Stanislaus Church for a Mass of Christian burial at 11:00 a.m. Burial with military honors will follow in St. Stanislaus Cemetery. Family and friends are invited to pay their respects on Saturday morning November 17 ^th from 9:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. at the Stempien Funeral Home. To send an online expression of sympathy please visit www.stempienfuneralhome.com .

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Meriden Public Library, 105 Miller Street or Gallery 53, 53 Colony Street both Meriden.