Carl Phillip Bender

Carl P. Bender, 92, a retired tool maker and supervisor for the former Speidel Corporation passed away Sunday, May 11, 2025 at the Kent Hospital in Warwick. Carl was the husband of the late Helen M. (Noonan) Bender. Born in Providence, he was the son of the late Phillip H. and Alma C. (Boettger) Bender. Carl was the beloved father of John "Jack" P. Bender (Rosella), Carl F. Bender (Barbara) and Paul R. Bender (Jamie); loving grandfather of Melanie, Patrick, Lindsay, Devin, Kari, Maggie, Gianna and Aidan. Loving great grandfather of Margot and Wesley. He was the brother of the late Eleanor Bender. He is also survived by his dear friend, Marlene Morrisse. Carl was a Korean War Army Veteran, achieving the rank of Corporal.
Born into a German-American family, Dad carried his heritage proudly, often sharing stories from his years growing up in Providence with his parents, Ma & Pa & his sister, Auntie El and the many traditions that shaped his values. His German roots were not limited to Rhode Island but extended around the country to his numerous cousins and back to Germany where many cousins and aunts still lived. He remained in continuous communication with those relatives and made numerous trips to see the birthplace of his mother and to visit the relatives he had heard about over the years.
He was a "hands-on" guy who loved tinkering and making things. He was a proud tool maker, taking those skills to crafting children's toys for his grandkids, tools to help him do a task or just making repairs to things. He liked to be busy.
He found happiness in the simple pleasures of life, whether it be tending to his flowers, sitting in the backyard under the umbrella enjoying a beer or watching a Red Sox or Patriots game, but none more so than being with friends and family around the grill for one of his legendary Memorial Day cookouts. Whether it was the smell of bratwurst sizzling on the grill, German beer hall music playing in the background or the sound of laughter echoing through the backyard, Dad created a space where everyone felt welcome. His cookouts were more than meals-they were celebrations of love, family and togetherness.
Family was the heart of everything he did. He was a guiding light to his sons and a playful, and supporting presence in the lives of his grandchildren. Dad's greatest pleasure was being around his family to celebrate special milestones, birthdays, holidays and especially his favorite holiday Christmas Eve. His warmth, humor, and unwavering support will be deeply missed but forever remembered.
Dad leaves behind a legacy of kindness, tradition, and family, which will live on in the stories we tell, the meals we share, and the love we carry forward.
His funeral service will be held Saturday, May 17, 2025 at 9am in the Thomas & Walter Quinn Funeral Chapel, 2435 Warwick Ave., Warwick. He will be laid to rest with his wife with Military Honors in the RI Veterans Cemetery, Exeter. His visitation will be held Friday from 4-7pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to Parkinson's Foundation, 5757 Waterford District Dr., Ste 310, Miami, FL 33126 will be appreciated.