Barry J. Bender

Barry J. Bender, 73, of Manheim passed away at home on Thursday, March 20, 2025 following a 19-year courageous battle with cancer. Born in Lancaster, he was the son of the late John S. Jr. and Mary Belle Wachstetter Bender. He was the husband of Beverly J. “Bev” Thompson Bender for almost 50 years (November). Due to his illness, he retired early as a supervisor for U.S. Airways, Harrisburg. He was a member of Ruhl’s United Methodist Church, Manheim and was a mentor for the Kidney Foundation of Central Pennsylvania. His interests included motorcycles, hiking with his dog, going out to eat with his friends and following his daughter’s career with horses.

Surviving in addition to his wife is a daughter, Erika wife of Thomas Kurtz of Pine Grove and a sister, Jo Ann wife of Rance Phillips of Mount Joy. He was preceded in death by a brother, David Bender.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Barry’s Celebration of Life Service (which includes Lunch) at Ruhl’s United Methodist Church, 4810 Elizabethtown Road, Manheim on Friday, April 4, 2025 at 11:30 AM. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, those desiring may send contributions in Barry’s memory to the Kidney Foundation of Central PA, 900 South Arlington Avenue 134a, Harrisburg, PA 17109 or Hospice & Community Care, P. O. Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604 (in honor of the Blue Team).