Howard John Bender

UTICA – Mr. Howard John Bender, age 88, passed away on Wednesday, February 7, 2024, in the comfort and dignity of his home, with his loving family by his side.

Born in Utica, on April 22, 1935, Howard was the son of the late Frank J. and Catherine A. (Hazel) Bender. He was educated locally and attended T.R. Proctor High School.

On September 22, 1956, he wed the former Dolores R. Spano. The two of them made a beautiful pair. They were inseparable, completely dedicated to one another and to their family.

For many years, Howard held a position with the Utica Board of Water Supply, as a field technician, up until his retirement in 1989. He also concurrently held other local positions such as a delivery driver for O'Scugnizzo's Pizza for many years, a position he truly loved. At one time, he also helped with the family concern in the operation of a local diner and pizzeria located on James St. in the early 70s.

A gentle heart, he was above all dedicated to his loving family. He was a caretaker by nature and was very devoted to not only his wife and children, but to his parents and siblings as well. Howard's wife often would lovingly refer to him as "impish." He loved to set the bait for people to get a funny response out of them. Riling people up gave him great satisfaction, though at times he would "run for cover!"

Howard enjoyed his time spent as a member of the Utica Auxiliary Police Department and as a ham radio operator under the handle of "Big Ben." His police and fire scanners were on at all times!

He loved to frequent the local resale shops and enjoyed "wheeling and dealing." A "Mr. Fix It," anything that needed his attention would be researched and then a specific plan would be implemented to repair the damaged item. Very resourceful, Howard could turn any discarded item into a jewel.

He also enjoyed photography, his wine and sausage. But most of all, he had a special love for family visitors where he would serve his famous homemade potato chips.

Howard is survived by his beloved wife, Dolores; canine companion, Duke; daughters and their loves, Jo Marie Drake and Paul Gleba and Kathleen "Kathy" and Timothy Brown, Sr.; grandchildren, Kenneth "Kenny" Drake, Keith "Scooter" Drake, Kody "Kodman" Drake; Timothy, Jr. "TJ" and Andrea Brown, and Dr. Kaitlyn "Kait" Brown and Max Nulk; and his great-grandchildren, Aubree, Rosalie, and Viola Brown. During his life he fondly remembered his siblings who preceded him, Edward Harden, Ella (Harden) Kulmus, Catherine and George Rjesnjanksy, Frank and Antoinette Bender and Thomas and Ann Bender. He also leaves to cherish his memory many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins. He was additionally predeceased by his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Pietro and Josephine (Serio) Spano.

The family wishes to thank those who Howard called his "special girls," for their loving care, especially Annette, Carol, Deb, Kathy, Kia, Lisa, Lori, Melissa, Suanne and Tanya; as well as the staff of Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc.

Visitation will be held on Friday, February 16, 2024 from 12:00–2:00 p.m. at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Howard's Funeral Service and Celebration of Life which will commence on Friday, February 16, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Entombment will take place in Christ Our Savior Mausoleum at Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Fond memories and messages of encouragement may be shared at www.EannaceFuneralHome.com.