Christopher L. Bender, “Coolest Dude Ever”, Musician Extraordinaire, passed away tragically in car accident on his way to work on Sunday, January 20, 2019 in Ohio. He was born in McCandless Township on September 25, 1967 to Albert and Carol (Naessen) Bender of Moon Township. In addition to his parents, he is survived by his High school sweetheart, best friend and wife for 20 years, Kelly (Claytor) Bender; his daughter, love of his life, “Daddy’s Little Girl”, Zola Rose; loving brother of Erica Bender (fiancé Darrell Diggins); cherished uncle of Corben, Hunter, Thomas, Brecon, Liam, Ella, and Benjamin Jr.; cherished brother-in-law of Holly Williams (Paul), Ed Claytor, Joe Claytor, Kate Claytor, Benjamin Claytor (Gina) Noah Claytor, Lucy Claytor and Emma Claytor; along with aunts, uncles, cousins and devoted friends, and last but not least, Daisy the dog.
Chris, a life-long resident of Moon Township, graduated from Moon Area High School, class of 1986, and participated in the marching band as a drummer. Living in the era where small bands sprang up, he was part of The Band Syzygy, playing at the “Decade”. After high school, he went on to study culinary arts at CCAC but his love of airplanes took him to Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics.
Thus, his career in aviation as an aircraft mechanic at Delta, Us Air, and Atlantic Aviation and then advanced to maintenance controller with NetJets Inc. Music was Chris and he lived and breathed it. He was always playing his I-pod and burning CD’s for friends. Chris was all about family and he did everything with them, whether it be fishing, playing and listening to music, or his hope to teach Zola to hunt with her pink rifle.
Chris loved going yearly on the family vacation to Myrtle Beach. He was down to earth. He loved growing peppers.
Now what did Chris do with those peppers? Hot Sauce Aficionado, of course, he made HOT Sauce. You were lucky if Chris shared his hot sauce with you!
Can you tell that Chris loved to cook and was a great chef? Chris was a member of the Coraopolis United Methodist Church where he and his wife were very involved. He also was a member of the Millvale Sportsman Club.
Zola Rose will continue to Rock Out. Clone of her Dad, he will live on forever through her, and her music. He will be deeply missed by all who knew this fun-loving down to earth man.
“Rock on, Dude! ” Visitation Saturday 4-8 and Sunday 2-8 at Copeland’s Moon Township, 981 Brodhead Rd. Please meet at the Coraopolis United Methodist Church, 1205 State Ave.
, Coraopolis, PA 15108 for his funeral service on Monday at 11 AM. Burial will follow in Resurrection cemetery.
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