Charles Connell (Chuck) Bender was born on September 27, 1935, in Philadelphia, PA, the son of the late Charles Francis and Kathryn Regina Filon Bender. He died Wednesday, May 27, 2015, at his home. He was the husband of Peggy Spangler Bender. Chuck was educated in the parochial and public school systems in Philadelphia. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War and served his country from 1954 to 1957. After his military service he joined the Philadelphia Police Department and upon graduating from the Philadelphia Police Academy became a mounted police officer for seven years. Chuck moved to Maryland in 1963 to join his brother in the restaurant business. Other employment included F O Day Construction Company and the C&P Telephone Company. In 1968 he furthered his career in the field of law enforcement when he joined the Rockville City Police Department and continued in this public service capacity until his retirement as Lieutenant in 1998. He was a retired member of the Fraternal Order of Police. Chuck loved being with his family and friends and was especially proud of his two grandsons. He was an avid reader and a model railroading and train buff. He was a member of the St. Johns the Evangelist Catholic Church. In addition to his wife, he is survived by sons, Michael Bender and wife Celeste, of Germantown, MD, and Stephen Bender, of Falls Church, VA; grandsons, Nicholas and Christian Bender of Germantown, MD; brothers, Donald Bender and wife Christine, of Little River, SC, and Laurence Bender and wife Arleen of Cherry Hill, NJ; nine sisters-in-law; one brother-in-law and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his brother, Eugene (Gene) Bender; and brother-in-law, Donald Spangler. Visitation with family will be from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., on Saturday, May 30 at the Keeney & Basford Funeral Home, 106 E. Church St., Frederick, where funeral services will follow at 12 p.m. Father Stephen Gosnell will officiate. Interment with military honors will follow at the Mount Olivet Cemetery, Frederick. If desired memorial donations may be made to Hospice of Frederick County, PO Box 1799, Frederick, MD 21702.
