Mark Anthony Bender, age 66, of Elmira, NY passed away Tuesday, May 23, 2023, at Arnot Ogden Medical Center.

He was born October 7, 1956, in Williamsport, Indiana the son of Raymond E. and Barbara J. (Hope) Bender.  He was a graduate of Attica Senior High School in Attica, Indiana (Class of 1975). He was blessed when he blended his family on December 27, 2002, when he fell in love and married Terrie L. Phillips.

Mark had worked as a soil testing technician for Fugro Inc. in Huston, Texas and later became a Production Line Operator for F. M. Howell and Company in Elmira, New York.  He will be remembered for his sacrifices as an over the road technician, spending countless hours away from his family to make sure their needs were met.

Mark liked the outdoors, hunting, fishing and spending time medal detecting. He loved playing pool. He could shoot pool with either one or two hands.  He also enjoyed sitting back and just relaxing.

He is survived by his wife Terrie Bender of Elmira, New York; daughter, Barbara (Markos) Kyriakou and their daughter Loukia of Evansville, Indiana; sister Totina (Steve) Catillie of Bedford, Indiana; brother Steve and (Chris) Bender of Richmond, Texas; nephews Brandon Bender of Richmond, Indiana and Jason Herbert of Hartford, Connecticut; niece Jodi (Chris) Ruggard of Richmond, Indiana; Aunt Sharon (Steve) Wasion of Mount Carmel; Illinois, Uncle Jerry Hope and wife of Evansville, Indiana; step-children Matthew (Jasmin) Rasberry and their sons Benny, Danny and Eddy of Baytown, Texas, Nathan (Melissa) Rasberry and their son Slade of Elmira, New York, Shelly (Chad) Krum and their children Jordon, Layla and Payton of Channelview, Texas.  He was predeceased by his parents, mother-in-law Carol Ross and brother-in-law Floyd Phillips. 

At Mark's request there will be no services.  In lieu of flowers, plant a tree to help reforest public lands that will be enjoyed by generations to come.