Joseph V. Bender, 89, of Lower Macungie Township, formerly of Chester Springs, died April 14, 2017. He was the husband of the late Cynthia M. Bender. Born in Mt. Carmel, he was the son of the late Joseph W. and Martha (Kwiterovich) Bender.

He was an industrial sales engineer at General Electric and was a member of the Elfun Society. He designed the illumination on the PPL building.

He was a graduate of Mt. Carmel High School in 1945 and played for the Red Tornados football team. He received his bachelor’s degree from Villanova University and was a veteran of the U.S. Navy during World War II.

He was a member of St. Ann Church, Emmaus. He enjoyed the outdoors, traveling and attending his grandchildren’s activities in his later years.

He is survived by daughters, Judith Curd (Ray), of Virginia, Karen (Ron Ditzler), of North Carolina, Nancy Bitto (George), of Pennsylvania; brother, John (Sylvia), of Pennsylvania; grandchildren, Gregory, Daniel and Steven Bitto, Bethany Dailey, Sharon Curd and Madilyn Stockdale; four great-granddaughters.

Contributions may be made to MCA Educational Foundation, 600 W. 5th St., Mt. Carmel, 17851 (to benefit the Mt. Carmel football team, in memory of Joseph Bender) or to the Villanova Scholarship Fund, payable to Villanova University, c/o Office of University Advancement, 800 Lancaster Ave., Villanova, 19085 (In memo, memory of Joseph Bender).

Arrangements were made by the Bachman, Kulk & Reinsmith Funeral Home, Emmaus.