BENDER, Geoffrey Allan Sr. 63 of Northampton, PA., formerly of Needham, MA, passed away suddenly on Saturday, August 19, 2017, at Lehigh Valley Hospital - Muhlenberg Campus, Bethlehem, PA. Geoff was born December 2, 1953 in Hyannis, MA, to the late Edward and Jeanne Uhlenhaut Bond Bender. Geoff began his aviation career flying cargo at night and fish spotting on Cape Cod. Moving onto Corporate flying for Seneca Foods and a prominent realtor in Boston, MA. He was hired by New York Air in 1985, which merged with Continental Airlines. Captain Bender was a Lead Line Check Airman on the B737, which continued after being promoted to Assistant Chief Pilot. Captain Bender flew his last few years on the B777. Geoff was instrumental in following his pilots who went through the Betty Ford Program ensuring their success, both personally and professionally. Geoff was a member of the QB Pilots Club, and the Association of Pilots. Geoff unofficially retired in early 2016 from United Airlines. Geoff was larger than life. The love he had for his children and family was immeasurable. His joys in life were his yearly trips with his son scuba diving in the Florida Keys, trips to NYC to see Broadway Shows with his Neen, spending quality time with his pumpkin, quiet drives in his new convertible, his rifle collection, riding his Harley, and mowing his lawn which he took such pride in taking care of. We will always remember our father wearing a hat and sunglasses with a big smile on his face. Geoff is survived by his wife, Marianne Bender; son, Geoffrey A. Jr. and his wife Gabrielle; Daughters, Christina Rene and Teresa Marie. Sister, Holly Bender, Nephew, William O'Leary. Niece and Nephew Victoria and Patrick Vaughan. A visitation time for family and friends will be held Saturday August 26, 2017 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM followed by a Celebration of Life Service lead by his son Geoffrey, Jr. at 4:00PM at the Schisler Funeral Home, 2119 Washington Ave. Northampton, PA. 18067 Interment will be private and at the convenience of the family. A memorial and funeral will be held at Newton Cemetery, Massachusetts on Friday, September 1, 2017 at 11:00am. In lieu of flowers, donations would be appreciated to the Kennedy Krieger Institute 707 North Broadway Ave., Baltimore, MD 21205 To make donations online:

https://helpkids.kennedykrieger.org/

information-individuals

In Honor of Geoff's daughter Teresa.

Published in The Boston Globe on Aug. 24, 2017