Diane

Bender

Diane Bender entered into eternal rest on October 15th at Lee Memorial Hospital in Fort Myers Florida with her devoted husband, George F Bender jr., and loving Son, Donald G Bender, at her bedside. Diane was born in Manhattan on September 22 1948 to Raymond & Dorothy Herrmann (nee Myers). Raised in Bayside, NY, she spent her summers in Sag Harbor. Diane's family was one of the first few to settle in a development which would later be named North Hampton Colony. Diane's father and uncle contributed to the building of the North Hampton Colony Yacht club. Diane had a true love for Long Island with her happiest being on the water. An avid boatsman, Diane enjoyed long summer days on her boat, fishing, water skiing, and swimming. She remembered her summers fondly, befriending many neighborhood children with whom she continued to remain close with until her passing. Diane graduated from the University of Rhode Island with a bachelor's degree in business and started her career as an insurance claims adjuster and later became a real estate agent for many years until her retirement in 2011 when she and George moved to Sag Harbor full time and subsequently moved to Fort Myers Florida in 2021. Diane met her loving husband on Halloween in 1970 and they married on September 8th, 1973. Diane and George moved to Bloomfield, NJ in 1973 before settling in Edison, NJ where they resided for 36 years . Diane and George started their family in 1987, adopting their daughter Kristen and in 1989 adopting their son Donald. Diane shared her love for the water on Long Island with her children with whom she enjoyed many summers with in Sag Harbor at the wheel of her cherished boat the LadyDi. Diane was known for her love of dancing, a good cocktail and her love for travel. Those closest to Diane knew of her unwavering zest for life and an undying love and passion for her family. Diane had many life long friends including several women from her college days with whom she enjoyed many cruises and vacations with. Diane loved animals, enjoying the company of many pets throughout her years with her most recent trusty companion being Hunter, the Golden retriever, who was never far from Diane's side. Diane is survived by her husband of 51 years, George F Bender jr, of Fort Myers, Fl, her Son Donald G Bender of Forked River NJ and his husband Joseph Bracco, her daughter Kristen D Bender of Dix Hills, NY and her partner Michael Mielko, along with many beloved nieces, nephews and life long friends. Services will be at Yardley & Pino Funeral home in Sag Harbor, NY with a visitation on Friday the 25th from 2-4pm and 6-8pm.   The Funeral Service will be on Saturday at 11AM at the funeral home and burial will follow at St. Andrews Cemetery in Sag Harbor, NY. In lieu of flowers a donation can be made to the North Shore Animal League or The American Heart Association