Charles J. Bender, Jr., 84, of Sharon, formerly of Hermitage, passed away Wednesday afternoon, September 25, 2024, in his home.

Mr. Bender was born on July 13, 1940, in Sharon, a son of the late Charles and Lillian (Winger) Bender. He was a 1958 graduate of Sharon High School. Following graduation he honorably served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War, spending a significant amount of time aboard a destroyer, U.S.S. Lowry.

Charles was employed as a machine operator for more than 30 years, at Sharon Steel's former Farrell plant. Upon the plant's closure, he worked in the maintenance department of the former Mel Grata Chevrolet, Hermitage.

A proud veteran, he was a member of the former American Legion, Post 160, where he served as Adjutant General; and the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 5286, both in Farrell.

An avid bocce player, he belonged to the Farrell City League, Farrell Mixed League, the Farrell Men's League and the Hubbard League.

Charles was also a member of the Church of Notre Dame, Hermitage.

He is survived by a daughter, Tina Marie Giles; a son, Anthony M. Bender, all of Elysburg, PA; two stepdaughters, Stephanie Williams, Sharon, and Melanie E. Allen and her husband Joe, Bridgeville, PA; two sisters, Mary Catherine Bender, Cincinnati, OH, and Lillian Moyer and her husband Ronald, Greenville; two brothers, John "Jack" Bender, Rockaway, NY, and Daniel Bender, York, ME; nine grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, Charles was preceded in death by an infant son, Charles J. Bender III; two wives, Roberta (McConnell) and Betty (Wansor) Bender; and a sister, Lt. Patricia Bender.

There will be a celebration of Charles' life, on Saturday, October 12th, from 2 to 5 p.m. at Delong's Banquet Hall, 490 Lucy St., Masury, OH.

Arrangements entrusted to J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 1090 East State St., Sharon.