Gregory Alan "Gumby" Bendel

Gregory "Gumby", Alan Bendel, 46, of Windsor Locks, beloved husband to Lynette "Lyn" (Cloutier) Bendel, passed away on Monday, Jan. 31, 2011.

Born Dec. 27, 1964, a son of the late Adolph "Ben" and Marjorie "Marg" (Milo) Bendel. Greg had been a lifelong resident of Windsor Locks up until a year ago when he moved to Savannah, Ga. to be closer to his son and the beach. He was a graduate of Windsor Locks High School, Class of 1982, and a long time HVACR Specialist for C&S Wholesale Grocers. Greg, an old soul, left a mark on all he came across and left behind many memories, smiles, and great wisdom. Greg enjoyed spending time with his wife and kids, who were his world. Riding his motorcycle, going to the beach, and playing his drum set were some of his favorite pastimes. Greg also enjoyed time in his garden with his wife, his many animals, NASCAR, and fixing anything with his kids. Greg would give the shirt off his back for a friend in need. He was a loving and devoted husband and dad.

He will be forever missed by his daughter, Jennifer Bendel "Daddy's Girl"; his son, U.S. Army SSG Ronald Apt and daughter, Amanda Dimauro; three sisters, Linda Garvey and her husband, Michael, of Florida, Patty Amenta and her husband, Sonny, of Suffield, Sandy Bendel of Windsor Locks; a brother, Richard Bendel and wife, Desi, of Tennessee; ex-brother-in-law, who to Greg was a brother, Sal Amenta, of Enfield. Greg considered his mother-in-law, Donna (Sullivan) Cloutier, and late father-in-law, Henry Cloutier, as his own parents, whom he loved dearly; two sisters-in-law, Denise Bates and husband, Kevin, of East Windsor, Patricia Daunis and husband, Paul, of Enfield, and Henry Cloutier Jr. of East Windsor; many nieces and nephews who thought the world of him, and many friends whom he cherished deeply.

Relatives and friends are welcome to join the family on Monday, Feb. 7, 2011, from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Leete-Stevens Enfield Chapels, 61 South Road, Enfield. Burial and funeral services will be private at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in memory of Greg may be made to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, 120 Wall Street, 22nd Floor, New York, NY 10005, online at www.AFSP.org, or by phone 1-888-333-AFSP Ext. 13, or to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Donor Services, P.O. Box 4072, Pittsfield, MA 01202, or online at www.leukemia-lymphoma.org.

For online expressions of sympathy or directions, please visit:

www.leetestevens.com