Joseph Bendel Obituary

Joseph "Joe" Milton Bendel, 83, passed away peacefully in his sleep at his home in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, on September 27, 2025. Joe was born on January 11, 1942, in Poland, Ohio, to Paul Stephen Bendel and Marie (Delach). He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force from 1960 to 1964 as a member of the 4392nd Civil Engineer Squadron at Vandenberg Air Force Base, and later as a Navy Reservist from 1964 to 1966. Following his military service, Joe began his career at Packard Electric in Warren, Ohio, where he retired after thirty years as a Foreman. He cherished the friendships he made there, enjoying countless gatherings with coworkers during and after his career, and continued staying in touch with many of them well into recent years. Joe was preceded in death by his parents and by his beloved wife of fifty-nine years, Barbara Elaine Bendel (Dietelbach) of Newton Falls, Ohio. He is survived by his brother Steve and sister-in-law Georgia of Poland, OH, sister Darlene and brother-in-law Leonard (Bub) Jones of Tampa, FL. Joe's children include daughter Wendy Bendel Ritz and son-in-law Joe Sachs of Rosemary Beach, Florida; daughter Dawn Bendel of Fernandina Beach, Florida; son Chris Bendel and daughter-in-law Kirsten of Middletown, Ohio; and daughter Kelly Lehman and son-in-law Paul of Franklin, Pennsylvania. He is also lovingly remembered by his grandchildren Samantha Culver, Corey Bendel, Tyler Ritz, and Justin Bendel. Friends and family will remember Joe for his love of music, dancing, NASCAR, motorcycle rides, and restoring antique cars. As a proud thirty-year resident of Seaside Village in Myrtle Beach, he could often be found outside with a book in hand, sharing stories and laughter with neighbors and passersby. Joe's easy laugh, light heart, sense of humor, heartfelt good-byes, and generous spirit touched many lives and will be deeply missed. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Joseph Milton Bendel, please visit our floral store.