Richard L Bender

Dateline Bordentown

Richard L. Bender, of Bordentown, NJ, passed away peacefully on July 4, 2025, one month shy of his 75th birthday. Rich was a resident of Bordentown for 46 years.

Born in Wilmington, DE, he came to NJ at the age of 11, when his father was transferred here for work, and soon became the "recess marbles champion" of 5th grade at Kuser School. He graduated from Hamilton High School West and is a Member of their Athletic Hall of Fame, having briefly played football and been a standout basketball and baseball player. He played basketball and baseball while attending Mercer County Community College, went on to Rider College on a baseball scholarship and graduated with a BS Degree in Education. He later completed his Master's Degree in Education.

Rich taught and coached briefly at Hamilton High School before becoming one of the original teachers at Delran High School, where he taught US History for 38 years, coached freshman boys' soccer, basketball and football briefly and was the highly successful head baseball coach for 43 years, winning 2 State Championships, numerous League Championships, several other awards, and accumulating 672 wins. He is a member of the Delran High School Athletic Hall of Fame, as well as the South Jersey Coaches Hall of Fame. While still teaching at Delran, he coached basketball for several years at Northern Burlington HS. He also coached Bordentown recreational & travel soccer and American Legion Baseball for several years and ran youth summer soccer and baseball camps. Rich also played on several local softball teams.

Rich was a devoted Eagles and Phillies fan and spent nearly every Eagles game for the past several years in the upstairs "Eagles Nest" that his son created for him, watching the games with his family and selected friends. He's had season tickets to the Phillies for more than 20 years and enjoyed going to several Phillies games each season. More than all of his sports interests, however, his family was always his #1 priority. Married to his High School sweetheart for 52 1/2 years, he liked nothing more than spending time with her, their 3 children and 6 grandchildren, especially on their seashore vacations each year. He was a very proud "Papa Bear" and "P-Pop" who took delight in all of their accomplishments.

Rich was pre-deceased by his parents, William and Mary Mendenhall Bender, his in-laws, L.Donald and Eileen Shaw DeBlois, three brothers: William Stroud, Gary Bender and Larry Bender, and his sister, Debbie Mapps. He is survived by his wife, Suzanne; his three children and their spouses: Lori C. Flynn and son-in-law Jonathan, Jason R.L. and daughter-in-law Angela, and Jared W.L. and daughter-in-law, Erin; and his six beloved grandchildren: Gavin, Kierlyn, Julia, Lia, Brooke and Tessa; a sister and brother-in-law: Janet & Roland Saxton; a sister-in-law: Nancy Bender; a brothers-in-law Harry Mapps, and sister-in-law: Donald & Colleen DeBlois; a sister-in-law, Denise DeBlois; several nieces and nephews; grand- nieces and nephews; and many dear friends and neighbors. Ri, Dad, P-Pop, Rich, Uncle Rich, "Papa Bear", "Dickie Boy", Mr B. & "Coach" has left a big void in all of our lives, and he will be sorely missed.

The family would like to thank all of the doctors, nurses, therapists, chaplains, techs, EMT's and food services people at RWJ Hospital, Avalon Rehab Center, DaVita Kidney Center and anyone else who helped us during this very difficult time, as well as everyone who sent prayers and encouragement to Rich and us: you've helped us immensely. Memorial donations may be made to RWJ, Avalon, DaVita, The American Diabetes Foundation American Diabetes Association, Attn: Service Center, P.O. Box 7023, Merrifield, VA 22116-7023 or the American Speech and Hearing Association 2200 Research Boulevard #105, Rockville, MD 20850-3289.

A Celebration of Richard's life will be held on Tuesday July 15, 2025, 11:00 am at the Bordentown Home for Funerals 40 Crosswicks St. Bordentown NJ 08505. With Calling hours will be held Monday evening from 5:00 ~ 8:00 pm and Tuesday morning from 10:00 am until the time of service. Interment will follow at Bordentown Cemetery.

Arrangements are under the direct care and supervision of Robert L. Pecht, Bordentown Home for Funerals, 40 Crosswicks St., Bordentown, NJ 08505. Please visit Richard's Book of Memories Page at www.Bordentownhomeforfunerals.com to upload a picture, light a candle, make a donation or offer condolences to the family.