Anthony J. "Steve" Bendoris

Anthony "Steve" J. Bendoris, 94, of Worcester, passed away, Monday, June 15, 2009, at Auburn Life Care Center.

He is survived by his loving wife of sixty-four years, Stella A. (Campanale) Bendoris; two daughters, Linda A. Bendoris of Auburn and Sheila M. Bendoris Bourque and her husband Al Bourque of Sutton; three sisters in law, Maria Lostimolo of Methuen, Josephine Tiscione of Worcester, and Carol Eagle of San Jose; many nieces, nephews and friends. He was pre-deceased by his brother and two sisters, George Bendoris, Anne Chiras, and Helen Swanson.

Anthony was born in Worcester, son of Joseph and Eva (Nezverki) Bendoris. He grew up in Maine and graduated from George W. Stearns High School in Millinocket; he then attended the University of Maine and Worcester Junior College. He served his nation proudly, during World War II, as a Machinist 1st Class in the United States Navy, where he was awarded a Purple Heart and five Bronze Stars.

Mr. Bendoris worked for over thirty years at Culver Stearns Manufacturing in Worcester; where he retired in 1990 as the Production Quality Control Manager. He continued to work after his retirement, with his daughter and son in law, at A-Nu Face Kitchen. He enjoyed SCUBA diving and was a member and Past President of The Worcester Frogmen's Club. He was an avid bowler, hunter, and fisherman. He was a member of the West Boylston VFW.

The funeral for Mr. Bendoris will be held Thursday, June 18, from MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation Street, Worcester, with a Mass at 11 a.m. in Saint Stephen's Church, 357 Grafton Street, Worcester. A calling hour will be held Thursday morning from 9 a.m. until 10:30 a.m., immediately prior to departing for church.

Memorial contributions in his memory may be made to Auburn Life Care Center, 14 Masonic Circle, Auburn, MA 01501.