Birth date: Sep 20, 1955 Death date: Dec 7, 2024
William "Bill" Bender, age 69, passed away peacefully on December 7, 2024, surrounded by the love of his family. Bill leaves behind a legacy of warmth, laughter, and an unwavering dedication to his loved ones and passions. Bill's Read Obituary
Bill was my best buddy at Clarion University in the early 70's. We had many adventures, tons of laughter, and loads of fun together. I was there at his wedding, and was honored to be included in the wedding party. The world is a sadder place without him. My very sincere condolences to all his family. Please know that he will be remembered, and missed deeply.
Sharing a collection of memories: Bill entered my life when dating Lil at Clarion. He instilled in me a liking and appreciation of the theater when I accompanied Lil many times to see him perform in and work on the college plays. Spending the week before their wedding, Bill and the entire Bender family included me in sharing their love for the New Jersey shore. I will always remember my favorite commercial of all the ones he wrote was the Slush Puppy commercial. It ending with "All I wanted was a puppy!" comes to mind whenever I have a slushy drink. I always enjoyed seeing Bill's trains displayed downstairs. One special memory is the one Bill gave me of my Dad when he was able to repair my Dad's childhood Lionel train to working conditions after being stored in our attic for years. Dad & I had happy times working together on the train display. I will treasure those memories with my Dad and Bill's love for trains that made it all possible. Bill would tease Lil & I often saying that I could be out there in person in the hours that we spent talking on the phone. Bill always welcomed me to be a part of his life. I will miss the many years of memories and the friendship we shared. My sympathy to Lil, Matt and the entire Bender family. Love, Cheryl
My dear cousin Bill. Some of my fondest memories (among many) are of the holidays when we gathered at Nana’s or next door to your house. Us boys would gravitate to the basement to marvel at any new addition to your train set: a new village, a new service yard which housed all of the new train cars.
I can still smell the static electricity generated from the tracks once engines and cars, all mixed with the aroma of lubricant.
Does anyone remember Popop taking us to the local train crossing to stare at the awesome, thundering, ground shaking marvel of the thing?
My baby brother was the sibling that my Mother would tell all that I asked for in my nighttime prayers “ please send me a brother or a sister” Amen. I laid claim to him the moment my parents brought him home from the hospital, I wanted to be his caregiver, his playmate, his comforter. I was fortunate to be all at different times of our lives. He was always bigger than life when in his presence. Like my cousin Anita said, his talent on stage, and even on radio, was remarkable. I was so very proud of him when seeing him perform or hearing his “ radio voice “ as I would get closer to Cleveland when visiting if I could hear him in advertising spots. I hold onto the thought and belief that he is now happily with my parents. I will miss you every day brother of mine and love you always. Jilly
He and my brother Marty Allen were like brothers and I was the sister. My heartfelt condolences to the entire Bender family.
Bill was my cousin so my memories are so many and full of family love. Our two families celebrated almost every holiday together. In addition both our parents bought a home on the beautiful island in New Jersey known as LBI. Along with my 3 brothers and Bill’s 2 sisters we spent every summer there. Then, during the winter months we would vacation at the gorgeous Sky Top Lodge in the Pennsylvania Poconos celebrating the New Year altogether. One memory I want to share was when I went to see Bill perform in our high school play Fiddler on the Roof. His role was the male lead Tevye. He was magnificent! His voice, powerful and stunning. I was blown away by his talents. As powerful as his voice was so was his love and dedication towards all of his family. I will miss him at our family reunions as his hugs were so wonderful. Rest in peace my beloved cousin. ♥️
Billy and I met in August of 1974 at Clarion State College. We bonded instantly as actors, friends and Risk players. We knew we could conquer the world. My favorite theatre memory of Bill was his interpretation of Herod in Jesus Christ Superstar. With crown fixed and robe blazing, his voice thundered, "So, you are the Christ, the great Jesus Christ!!!", as you he powered nimbly through his choreography. The audience roared their approval as if in the presence of 2 Kings. Bill was a chameleon on stage. He loved Lil and Matt and his family.
He loved me and was more than a man could ask for in a 50 year friendship. He has left physically, for his relief and our shared grief. However, William Wallace Bender will remain within our hearts as long as we listen for him. Rest in peace, Bill. Until we meet again. Love you.
