Sidney R. Bender

Sidney R. Bender z"l, 83, died on Sunday, May 31, 2026 at Eastside Nursing Home in Warsaw, NY. He was born in Niagara Falls, NY on September 27, 1942, a son of the late Joseph and Julia (Levin) Bender.

He was a graduate of Texas A&M University where he earned his Masters Degree. Sid was the first faculty member chosen when a grassroots movement established Genesee Community College (GCC) to bring higher education to the region in 1967. As part of the humanities department, Sid taught English 101 and 102, focusing on rhetorical principles and strategies for college-level prose. In future years, Sid would serve on the Personnel Policies Committee, the Recruitment and Retention Committee, and finally the Curriculum Development Committee. Sid oversaw the development of many new and exciting programs to meet the growing economic and workforce needs such as nursing, data processing, and criminal justice. Sid taught in this capacity for over 31 years. Sid was also active in civil affairs, serving as the Vice President of the County Youth Board and as the Chairman of the Batavia Housing Authority.

Sid became a world traveler in the 1970s. Sid and his wife, Marlene, travelled to Japan for a month. Two years later they traveled to Israel for six weeks. They attended classes in English at the Hebrew University. Two years later, Side and his wife flew to South Africa where his wife rode an ostrich and went down into an active gold mine. From South Africa, they flew to Kenya for a photographic safari. After a wonderful trip seeing the animals, they flew to Paris and London, spending a week in each city.

After their travels, the Benders turned to family matters and welcomed our beloved daughter Gail. Sadly, divorce happened a dozen years later. Sid remarried gaining step-children and produced two boys. Blaze has grown up to be a computer specialist and Robby is a registered nurse. Gail has grown to be a health technology executive at Ernst and Young.

Sid identified as a patriot; as much as he loved America, so too did he love Israel. At the age of six, he heard Israel's Declaration of Independence broadcast over the radio, and the words stayed with him for the rest of his life. He remained a devoted Zionist, finding deep meaning in Israel's role as a sanctuary for Jews facing persecution anywhere in the world.

He is survived by his wife, Margie Koerner of Scotts Hill, TN; heir three sons: Blaze Bender and Robby Bender of Syracuse, NY, and David Melendez (Sha'Ronda) of Rochester, NY; two grandchildren, Merrick and Maverick.

From his first marriage, he is survived by his daughter Gail Babes of Seattle, WA, and her daughter Vida Babes. He is also survived by his sister Beatrice Weems of Corpus Christi, TX, and nephew Aaron Weems of San Antonio, TX.

No prior visitation. Interment is in Ahavas Sholem Cemetery in Niagara Falls, NY.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor his memory are encouraged to make a donation to Genesee Community College www.genesee.edu. To leave an online message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home, 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020.