Charles Alfred Bender

Charles Alfred Bender, Jr., aged 74, passed away peacefully on December 19, 2025, at Reading Hospital surrounded by his family. He was a devoted husband of 48 years, a loving father, fun grandfather, and a dear friend.

Born in Chambersburg, PA, on February 10, 1951, to the late Charles Alfred Bender and Alma (Beitzel) Bender, Charlie lived a full life of adventure, family time, and travel. He graduated from CASHS in 1969 and then studied electrical engineering at Lafayette College, graduating in 1974. He worked as an electrical engineer in Silver Spring, MD for two years then moved back to Chambersburg to continue the family business. Charlie farmed the Bender Potato Farm for 25 years with his brother, David Bender.

Charlie was a pilot. Being a pilot wasn’t just a hobby; it was a passion. He later became an aircraft mechanic and rebuilt small aircraft into retirement. His hobby of flying opened many opportunities, including working as a bush pilot in Alaska and traveling all over the country with his family.

He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed ice climbing and cross-country skiing in Lake Placid, New York; canoeing in Maine; hiking in Montana; backpacking in Wyoming; and camping in Idaho, just to name a few of his many adventures. Charlie also loved playing poker with his family, fishing with his grandchildren, and watching his grandson play baseball. His children and grandchildren each have a passion for travel and outdoors because of him.

Charlie is survived and will be missed dearly by his wife Evelyn (Shuler) Bender; three children, Brook Bender, Jacklyn Newell (husband Clifton), and Charles Conrad Bender (wife Hannah); two grandchildren, Hudson and Clara Newell; two siblings, Grace Bender, and David Bender (wife Linda); three nephews, Eric Bender (wife Jen), Bryan Bender (wife Betsy), Alan Bender (wife Lisa); and several great nieces and nephews. Aside from his parents, Charlie was preceded in death by his brother, Samuel Bender; and his granddaughter, Sienna Newell.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on January 17, 2026, at Grand Point Church, 2230 Grand Point Road, Chambersburg, PA. 17202. Pastor Scott Despres will officiate. Visitation with the family will begin at 10:00 AM. Arrangements are entrusted to the Thomas L. Geisel Funeral Home, Chambersburg, PA. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in memory of Charles A. Bender Jr. to one of the following foundations: AOPA foundation (foundation.aopa.org), Make-A-Pilot (make-a-pilot.org) or Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center (alaskawildlife.org).

Charles A Bender Jr. may have left this world, but his love and legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew him. Condolences and memories may be shared at geiselfuneralhome.com.