George W. Bender, III

George William Bender III, of West Chester, PA, passed away peacefully on April 28, 2025, at the age of 77 after a long and courageous battle with glioblastoma.

George was born on July 7, 1947, in Philadelphia, PA, to George and Elizabeth Bender and grew up in Chestnut Hill. He graduated from Malvern Preparatory School in 1965 and went on to earn a degree in English from Villanova University in 1969. Shortly after beginning his career at State Farm Insurance Co., George was drafted into the U.S. Army, where he trained as a medic and served as a Specialist 4th Class X-ray technician from 1970 to 1972.

Following his service to his country, George returned to State Farm, where he built a long and successful career in various management roles across Pennsylvania until his retirement in 2013. He was respected by colleagues for his steady leadership, strong work ethic, and sense of humor.

George had a lifelong love of sports, especially baseball and golf. He spent many years coaching his sons' baseball teams and serving on the Board of Directors for East Side Little League. He was a regular on the sidelines of his children’s and grandchildren’s games, cheering them on in baseball, soccer, lacrosse, cheer, basketball, horseback riding, and swimming. When he wasn’t watching sports, he enjoyed playing golf with friends, his sons, and his son-in-law.

One of George’s greatest joys was vacationing in Nags Head, North Carolina. He cherished the annual family trips and loved sharing his happy place with his grandchildren—soaking in the sounds of the surf, the beach, and a few rounds of golf.

George  is survived by his wife of fifty years, Marigene Bender (née Hannon), and their three children: Katie (John) Saviski, George Bender IV, and Steve (Kim) Bender. He was a proud grandfather to Caroline, Lauren, Emily, Brandon, and Aubrey, and also leaves behind his favorite granddog, Charlie. George is also survived by his sisters, Peggy Kennedy and Nancy Bender, along with many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his sister, Suzanne Trifiletti, and his parents.

A service to honor George’s life will be held on Monday, May 5, 2025, at St. Maximilian Kolbe Church, 15 E. Pleasant Grove Road, West Chester, PA  19382.   Visitation begins at 9:30 A.M., followed by Mass at 11:00 A.M.

George will be remembered for his easygoing spirit, his love for family, and the joy he brought to those lucky enough to know him. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Glioblastoma Foundation in George’s memory:  Glioblastoma Foundation, P.O. Box 62066, Durham, NC 27715.    https://glioblastomafoundation.org/get-involved/donate.