Mark Austin Bendler

Mark Austin Bendler, age 62, a lifelong resident of Delaware City, DE, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, February 12, 2017, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on September 30, 1954. Mark graduated from William Penn High School in 1973 and then went to work for P&C Roofing, from where he recently retired after 44 years. He was an active member of Jackson Lodge No. 19 AF & AM in Delaware City, where he had served as an officer. Mark was a member of Nur Shriners and 32nd Degree Scottish Rite.An avid golfer, he enjoyed watching the game and many other sports. He loved being at the beach, traveling to his home in Florida and spending time with family and friends, who will miss him more than words can say. Mark had a contagious laugh, an ever-present smile and a personality that filled a room. He was preceded in death by his mother, Frances Foraker Neel and stepfather, Robert Neel. Survivors include his wife of 16 years, Cindy (Kirk) Bendler; his son and daughter, Mark Bendler Jr. (Nicole) of Townsend and Amanda Bendler (Robb), of Delaware City; stepdaughter and stepson, Megan Brittingham of Delaware City and Robbie Sterling (Caitlyn) of Townsend; 8 grandchildren, Aidan, Evan, Kylie, Landon, Madalynn, Maci, MaKena and Payton; sister, Pam Gray (Buddy); brother, Wade Bendler (Vicki); mother- and father-in-law, Peg and Jack Kirk; and his brothers-in-law, John Kirk (Maryann) and David Kirk (Diane). Survivors also include two uncles, an aunt and several nieces, nephews and cousins. The family extends a special thanks to the staff at Christiana Care and Dr. SuJung Park. A visitation for family and friends will be held from 8:30 am until 10:30 am on Saturday morning, February 18, 2017 at the Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 1000 N. DuPont Parkway, New Castle, DE, where a funeral service will begin at 10:30 am. A masonic service will be held at 10:15 am. Interment will follow in Gracelawn Memorial Park, 2220 N. DuPont Parkway, New Castle. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions in Mark’s name to Shriners Hospitals for Children, 2900 N. Rocky Point Dr., Tampa, FL 33607.