John Stephen Bender

John Stephen Bender of Perkasie, PA passed away at his residence on Sunday, June 29, 2025, surrounded by his family. He was 72 years old.
Born in Teaneck, NJ to the late Edward and Maureen (Smith) Bender and stepson to the late Edwin Wright, John spent his early years on the Jersey shore before settling in Perkasie, PA thirty-seven years ago.
John graduated from Southern Regional High School, Manahawkin, NJ (Class of 1970) and graduated Cum Laude with an associate's degree from Ocean County Community College in 1972. He went on to receive a bachelor's degree in 1974 from Glassboro State College (now Rowan University) and earned his MBA from Widener University.
An avid golfer, gardener, baseball enthusiast, fisherman, hiker, boater (in any way he could get on the water), John enjoyed all the outdoors had to offer. He proudly regaled his family with stories from his life and made sure they always remembered to "keep calm and carry on." His competitive spirit shone through when coaching his kids' sports teams and cheering them from the sidelines.
With a career as an information project manager spanning over four decades, John was formerly employed with the Prudential Insurance Company retiring in 2018 from Optum. A devoted member of his community, he served many years as Judge of Elections and Chairman of the Water and Sewer Authority Board, before being elected Supervisor of Hilltown Township in 1997. During his time as Supervisor, John was pivotal in passing laws to preserve Hilltown's beautiful farmland and natural resources, a true passion of his. John was a member of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Church of Hilltown, PA and an active participant in the Joe Hill Golf League in Horsham, PA. He was also passionate about preserving The Hedges on Blue Mountain Lake, NY, playing an important role in protecting one of the last Adirondack Great Camps for guests to continue to enjoy for generations to come.
He was the beloved husband of 38 years to Lorraine Kulik-Bender; devoted father of Sara Bender and husband Andi Krupke, John Bender, and Tess Bender; dear brother of Edward Bender and the late Helen Bender Martinez; loving grandad of Matilda Krupke; cherished brother-in-law of Joan and Tom Heesen; and survived by many loved nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.
The family will receive their friends at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Church, 100 Broad Street, Hilltown Township, PA 18927 on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, from 10:00-11:00 am, with a funeral mass to begin at 11:00 am.
Interment will be held in St. Mary's Cemetery, 283 Beachview Avenue, Manahawkin, NJ 08050 on Thursday, July 10, 2025, at 11:00 am.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts to Alliance for a Living Ocean (Long Beach Island, NJ) https://www.alolbi.org/ or Blue Mountain Lake Association - "Water Watch Program" (Blue Mountain Lake, NY) https://www.bluemountainlakeassociation.org/waterwatch would be appreciated.
Send condolences to www.varcoethomasfuneralhome.com