He graduated from Elmhurst High School and Purdue University. At Purdue he was a brother of Pi Kappa Alpha. Gary did his graduate work at Saint Francis University of Fort Wayne. He coached for the Fort Wayne Volleyball Club 12 years taking several teams to National Championships. He retired to Fort Myers, Florida after teaching and coaching for FWCS for 35 years. In Florida, Gary continued to coach volleyball for Fort Myers High School, Bishop Verot High School, USA South, and Fusion Volleyball. He was active in his retirement community playing on the softball and tennis teams. Gary died peacefully at home with his family surrounding him with love.
Gary is survived by his wife, Kathleen, son, Brad, daughter, Wynn (Bender) DePasquale, and son-in-law Justin DePasquale, sister Karen (Bender) Albee, and brother-in-law Jerry Albee all whom reside in Fort Myers, Florida, and brother, Dale Bender, of Fort Wayne, Indiana. Gary has three grandchildren: Peyton Bender, Rocco DePasquale, and Siena DePasquale.
A celebration of Gary’s life will be held by the family Saturday June 24, 2023 from 2:00 – 4:00PM at St. Charles Harbour Yacht Club, 15900 St. Charles Harbour Blvd. Fort Myers, FL 33908.
In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials be sent to:
Saint Michael’s Lutheran School
Attn: Principal Kati Miser
3595 Broadway
Fort Myers, Florida 33901
