Robert Ray Bentley

Cambridge Robert Ray Bentley, 72, passed away peacefully after a long illness on Sunday, January 27, 2013 at the Centers for Living and Rehabilitation at Hoosick Falls. Born in Cambridge on August 8, 1940, he was the son of Ray O. and Mary (Byrne) Bentley. He attended Cambridge Elementary School briefly before moving to California with his parents. In California he graduated from Pomona High School and attended the University of California in Pomona. Moving back to Cambridge in 1970, he was the long time proprietor of Bentley's Variety Store on East Main Street. Robert loved music, especially Bluegrass and American folk music. An accomplished musician, he could play anything that had strings. He was an avid baseball fan, his favorite team being the Dodgers. He was very proud of the fact that he was a certified softball umpire. Never married, he is survived by his brother Lance Bentley and wife Deborah of Cambridge; his sister, Veronica Chieze and husband Donald of Ridgecrest, California; two nieces; two nephews; four great-nieces and two great-nephews. A Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, February 3, 2013 at 10:30 AM at the First Baptist Church of Cambridge, 29 West Main Street, between the IGA and Glens Falls National Bank. A private family service will be held at a later time. For those wishing to remember Robert in a special way, the family suggests donations to the American Lung Association, 1950 Arlington Gate Lane, Columbus, OH 43228 or www.lungusa.org.