Robert D. Bender, 75, of Wescosville, died Sunday, October 26, 2008 at the Lehigh Valley Hospital, Salisbury Township. He was the husband of Janet M. (Krause) Bender. The couple celebrated their 49th wedding anniversary last June 20.

Born in Reading on August 18, 1933, Robert was the son of the late Reuben A. and Emily (Bisacomer) Bender. He was employed as an assembler for Caloric Corp., formerly located in Topton, for 30 years before retiring in 1989. Since retirement, he enjoyed helping his son, Terry, at Sneaks -n- Cleats in Trexlertown. Robert was a member of the Lutheran congregation of Ziegel's Union Church, Breinigsville, where he served on the church council for two terms.

Survivors: In addition to his loving wife, Janet; son, Terry R. Bender and his wife Hope of Emmaus; brother, Reuben Bender and his wife Rose of Scottsdale, Arizona; sisters, Audrey Drexel of Leesport, Shirley Bender of Reading; grandchildren, Jessica, Michael and Robert.

Services: Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, October 30, 2008 in the Heintzelman Funeral Home, Inc., 4906 Route 309, Schnecksville, with the Rev. Candi L. Cain-Borgman officiating. Family and friends may call 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. Wednesday and 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. Thursday in the funeral home. Interment will follow the service at Ziegel's Union Cemetery, Breinigsville.

Contributions: Memorial contributions may be made to Ziegel's Lutheran Church Memorial Fund c/o the funeral home, P.O. Box # 196, Schnecksville PA 18078-0196.