John M. Bender

John M. Bender, 71, of Lawrence, PA, passed peacefully on April 8,2012, with his loving family at his side.  Beloved husband of Sylvia; loving father of Dr. Kimberly Steinhauer and Dr. Valerie Howard; proud father-in-law to Timothy Steinhauer and Matthew Howard; adoring grandfather of Kayla, Luke, Sarah, Joshua, Maura, and Nathan. He was the son of late John and Julia Molnar Bender of Homer City, Pa, and is survived by a sister, Helen Nymick and brothers James and Kenneth Bender. He graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 1962 where he earned a bachelor of music degree and met the love of his life and best friend, Sylvia.  Their romance lasted for 50 years during which he completed his master’s degree in educational administration from The Pennsylvania State University.  He devoted his life to educating children by serving in roles from band director at Allegheny-Clarion Valley and Derry Area School Districts to Superintendent of Philipsburg Osceola School District in Centre County.  He loved cantoring for Byzantine liturgies, playing trombone, fishing, hunting, and winning at cards and pool. Friends will be received Tuesday from 2:00 – 4:00 and 7:00 – 9:00 at Cremation & Funeral Care, 3287 Washington Rd, McMurray, PA 15317.  Funeral Liturgy will be on Wednesday, April 11, 2012 at 10:00 AM at St. Gregory of Nazianzus Byzantine Catholic Church, 2005 Mohawk Rd. Upper St. Clair, PA 15241. Interment will be held at Queen of Heaven Cemetery.  Donations in his memory can also be made to St. Gregory Nazianzus Byzantine Catholic Church. Information can be found at www.cremationfuneralcare.com.