Dennis Joseph Bender's Obituary
Dennis Joseph Bender, born April 3, 1948, in New York, lived a life full of laughter, adventure, and a healthy appreciation for anything with wheels or a whistle. On the day he left us, the world got a little quieter—but we’re pretty sure he’d want us to turn the volume back up and share a good joke in his honor.
Dennis was the cherished son of Gustave and Rosemary Bender, and the devoted husband of Nanci Bender, with whom he just celebrated 51 years of marriage—proof that true love, patience, and a great sense of humor can take you the distance. Together they built a life full of love, laughter, and the occasional eye roll at Dennis’s jokes.
He was a proud father to Erin Pooler, father-in-law to Thomas Pooler, and the delighted grandfather of Hayden and Jorden, who could always count on him for a smile, a story, or a playful tease.
Dennis served with honor in the United States Air Force, was a E-4 (Senior Airman) before his honorable discharge in 1975. He later continued his dedication to service with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, where he built a respected career and eventually retired—though he never retired from joking around.
A lifelong enthusiast of trains and cars, Dennis could spot a classic from a mile away and always seemed to know a fun fact no one else did. Whether he was talking horsepower or locomotives, his eyes lit up every time.
He was the kind of person who could turn an ordinary moment into a memorable one, simply by showing up with his trademark humor and big-hearted spirit. Dennis leaves behind a family who adored him and will forever miss his laughs, and stories that will be told—and retold—with a smile.
What’s your fondest memory of Dennis?
What’s a lesson you learned from Dennis?
Share a story where Dennis' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Dennis you’ll never forget.
How did Dennis make you smile?