Stanley Bender

February 17, 1924 - February 11, 2022

STANLEY IRWIN BENDER February 17, 1924 – February 11, 2022 Stanley I. Bender passed away peacefully on February 11, 2022, 6 days before his 98th birthday, at Bethesda East Hospital in Boynton Beach, Florida, comforted by his loving family. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 66 years, Louise Margolin Bender, who sadly passed away in 2017. He adored Louise and when asked “How long have you two been married?” would always answer, “Not long enough.” Stanley will be remembered as a devoted Father, Grandfather and Great-grandfather, whose greatest pride and joy was Family. Stanley is survived by 20 direct descendants, each of whom he loved dearly, and who loved him just as much. His 6 children: Irene Berkowitz (Stuart), Norman Bender (Margaret), and David Bender (Suzy); 8 grandchildren: Rebecca (Andrew) Moffs; Julie (Rory) Mitz; Emily (Jason) Bennett; Sam Bender and Josh Bender; and 6 greatgrandchildren: Matthew, Dylan, and Charlie Moffs; Lucas, Lily, and Tyler Mitz. Many wonderful times in Florida are dearly remembered, at the beach, passing down his love of maps. Born and raised in Maplewood, New Jersey, Stanley and Louise raised their Family in Livingston, New Jersey and Cincinnati, Ohio. When Stanley retired, they moved to Delray Beach, Florida, where he spent many happy years with Louise, with whom he moved to The Carlisle in Lantana, Florida in 2012. Stanley achieved a Mechanical Engineering Degree from Cornell University, after which he served as an officer in the U.S. Navy in Korea. He was a rocket scientist, satellite designer, project leader, and FAA crash investigator. He held 3 U.S. patents for engine design. Stanley worked at Curtis Wright and RCA Satellite in New Jersey and spent the balance of his career as an aircraft engine designer at General Electric in Cincinnati, Ohio. He will be remembered by many as a Life Master level championship bridge player, an avocation he shared and enjoyed with Louise for their entire marriage (he did not hesitate to say that Louise was the better player). Louise and Stanley went on to teach bridge in their Florida community and traveled around the world together, teaching bridge on cruise boats. Stanley played bridge until macular degeneration made it too difficult to play well, even with special lights he took to Jordan’s bridge club in Delray Beach. In addition to his engineering and bridge skills, Stanley was an accomplished home craftsman and car repair enthusiast. He was a talented artist, completing a series of beautiful watercolors last year and had been scheduled to do a lecture at The Carlisle, “Watercolors with Stanley,” which had to be canceled when he became ill, but he never gave up his passion for life and for purpose, even as his abilities diminished. Stanley was an engaging conversationalist who loved to tell stories (especially at dinner), always with a twinkle in his eye. He was fond of “teaching moments,” imparting the values of kindness and problem-solving with sayings like “I’m not lucky, I’m blessed” and “Nothing is ever simple.” He coached Little League, helped with homework, loved projects, especially airplane models and home repairs, and took each child on special outings, such as the NYC Museum of Natural History or Sunday morning fishing. The family spent summers in the Catskills and vacations at the Jersey Shore. His favorite was Beach Haven, New Jersey, where he loved to fish. Stanley was predeceased by his sister and brother-in-law, Claire and Wilbur (Bebs) Turner. His four Margolin brothers-in-law considered him their fifth brother and he will be dearly remembered by Albie (Bernice) Margolin and Eli (Michelle) Margolin as well his sister-in-law, Flora Margolin (Leon Margolin, deceased) and Charlie (Mary) Margolin (both deceased), and his many nieces and nephews who have wonderful, fun memories of Uncle Stanley at family picnics, holiday celebrations, shared vacations, and frequent get-togethers. In the last years, Stanley was blessed to be cared for with loving kindness by Nurses, Maryann Bardes and Jackie Bolden, remarkable individuals who he adored, to whom the Family is most grateful, and who have become dear friends. Dad was 6 days from his 99th year: “not long enough.” Stanley’s memory will be a blessing and inspiration to all. Funeral services will be held Monday, February 14, @ 12:15pm at Eternal Light Memorial Gardens (11520 U.S. 441/State Rte. 7, Boynton Beach 33473, 561-600-9218, call for zoom link). Donations can be made to the charity of choice or the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute Memorial Fund (305-326-6190)