Gerald W. Bender

Gerald W. Bender, 81, formerly of Mount Joy, died Thursday March 2, 2017 at the Gardens of Campbelltown where he had been a resident. Born in Hanover, he was the son of the late Alva G. and Zelah (Miller) Bender. Jerry was a graduate of Eastern Mennonite University, Harrisonburg VA, and received his Master’s in Sociology from Penn State University. Jerry was a driver for UPS, and had been a fabricator for Armstrong World Industries. In lieu of serving in the Armed Services, Jerry served with the Mennonite Central Committees PAX program in Germany. He had attended the Mennonite Church in his younger years and attended the Church of the Nazarene of Hershey while in Campbelltown. Jerry enjoyed serving with the Mennonite Historical Society, and he greatly enjoyed singing and was a member of the Lancaster/Franconia Choral Singers.

Surviving are three daughters Madita wife of Andreas Hassold, Slatington, Elizabeth Bender, Lancaster, Martina wife of Keith Royer, Lancaster; four grandchildren; a sister Mary wife of David Fretz, Mount Joy, a brother Jon Scott husband of Marti Bender, Skipack, and a sister in-law Barbara Ann Bender, Maytown. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by two brothers Otis and Eugene Bender.

At Jerry’s request, services and interment will be private at the convenience of the family.