Jeffrey Benton Bender

It is with heavy hearts yet profound gratitude for a life well-lived that we announce the passing of Jeffrey Benton Bender, who departed this world on April 28, 2026, at the age of 80. Born on December 8, 1945, in Chelsea, Massachusetts, Jeff was the cherished son of Cornelia Calver Bender (Ladd) and Dr. Merrill A. Bender. The family later settled in Maryland, where Jeff would spend the majority of his life, leaving an indelible mark on the community he so loved. Jeff's life was a testament to the power of community, passion, and creativity. A proud graduate of Richard Montgomery High School in 1964, he channeled his love for sports into founding and managing a men's softball team. This passion continued unabated through the 1970s, 80s, and early 90s as he led teams in the Gaithersburg, Rockville, and Fairfax County leagues. Even after reaching the milestone age of 50, Jeff's enthusiasm for the game never waned; he joined the MCSSA 50+ league and established "The Blue & Gold," a team that embodied his vibrant spirit and favorite colors. Family was the cornerstone of Jeff's life. As the eldest sibling, he took great joy in organizing a myriad of activities for his three younger siblings, including a neighborhood "Olympics" in 1960 that sparked joy and camaraderie among the children. This knack for bringing people together through fun and games endured throughout his life, as he continued to create and host beloved family competitions like "Name That Tune" and "Jeopardy." Music was another tapestry woven deeply into the fabric of Jeff's existence. His love for music led him to sing in a Glee Club, a Madrigal group, and a church choir, and during his college years, he delighted many as a DJ. His vast collection of 45s, LP albums, and CDs was a testament to his lifelong passion, and he often shared this gift by creating holiday music CDs for family gatherings. Jeff also had a fondness for movies, amassing a collection that he eagerly shared at movie nights, enriching the lives of those around him with cinematic stories. Jeff's commitment extended beyond family and friends to his professional life. He earned an AA in Computer Science from Montgomery College and dedicated 32 years to the IT industry, with a significant tenure at Computer Sciences Corporation. His expertise and dedication left a lasting impact on his colleagues and the projects he worked on. A lifelong Unitarian, Jeff was a devoted member of the Sugarloaf Congregation of Universalists. As Music Director and choir member, he used his talents to foster unity and joy through song, enriching the spiritual lives of his fellow congregants. Jeffrey Benton Bender leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and music. His life was a symphony of service, creativity, and joy, and his absence will be deeply felt by all who had the privilege of knowing him. His spirit lives on in the hearts of his siblings, extended family, friends, and every person who ever joined him in song or play. May his memory continue to be a blessing, and may his songs echo in the hearts of those who loved him.