George Bender

George "Rock" Daniel Bender III, 76, transitioned to eternal life on Sunday, November 12, 2023. The son of the late George and Nellie (McClure) Bender was born in Winsted, CT. He is survived by his wife Lisa Simoneau-Bender; children Kimberly Bender Hakola (John), Daniel Bender, and Lili Bender; sister Darlene Bender Silverstein (Joe); nephews David Silverstein and Aaron Silverstein; grandson Hudson Hakola; and former spouse Barbara Bender. After graduating from Brooklyn-Cayce high school in Columbia, South Carolina. George served in the U.S. Airforce and later graduated from the University of Connecticut. He was an avid sportsman who excelled in boxing, tennis, golf, baseball and football. He enjoyed singing and was a member of the Silver Threads. He had a long career in teaching and recreation sharing his love of sports and history with young people. On weekends you would find George cheering on the University of Michigan and the New York Yankees. He loved movies, cooking and blackjack. His greatest joy in life was his children. He spent countless hours making them breakfast, driving them wherever they wanted to go, cheering them on as they played various sports, attending their concerts, plays and other special events. He shared his passion for cooking and Lebanese food with them. George was an amazing storyteller with a generous heart that touched the lives of many, many people throughout his life. Funeral Mass, St. Malachi Church, W.25th & Detroit Ave., Cleveland, OH, Saturday, November 18th at 10:15 AM. Friends may call in the McGORRAY-HANNA FUNERAL HOME OF LAKEWOOD, 14133 DETROIT AVE., FRIDAY FROM 4-6 PM AND AT ST. MALACHI CHURCH, SATURDAY FROM 9:00 AM UNTIL TIME OF MASS. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to American Cancer Society, 10501 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, OH 44106 or The Gathering Place, 25425 Center Ridge Rd., Westlake, OH 44145.