Lloyd O. Bentz, 91, of Lancaster, passed away Thursday, January 26, 2012 at the St. Anne’s Retirement Community. He was the loving husband of Margaret Netling Bentz to whom he was married for 62 years.
Mr. Bentz was born in Spring Grove, PA, the son of the late Lloyd Hamme and Anna Bair Bentz. He was educated in the York county schools before entering Penn State University, from which he received his B.S. degree in Chemistry. Following graduation, he began his career in the research department of Firestone Rubber and Tire Company in Akron, OH, working on the development of synthetic rubber to support the war effort during World War II. In 1953 he joined Raybestos Manhattan in Manheim, PA, where he was given increasing levels of responsibilities for the management of R&D efforts. From his work in these companies, he was awarded several patents in rubber chemistry and friction materials.
Throughout his long residency in Lancaster, Mr. Bentz took an active part in community affairs. He was an active member of St. Matthew Lutheran Church, where he sang in the Choir for many years and faithfully served on many leadership committees. He was also a dedicated supporter of the Office of Aging, volunteering his time there weekly for twenty-five years following his retirement from Raybestos.
Mr. Bentz is survived by his wife Margaret, his daughter Lynn, wife of Michael Brownell of Oak Harbor, OH, his son Bryan, husband of Jane Gale of Southborough, MA, and his daughter Jan of Lancaster. He is also survived by two granddaughters Elizabeth Gale-Bentz and Hannah Bentz. He was predeceased by his siblings Arline, Claire, Russell, Mildred, Wilson, Joseph, and Charmaine.
A Funeral Service will be held at St. Matthew Evangelical Lutheran Church, 700 Pleasure Road, Lancaster, PA on Tuesday January 31 at 11:00 AM. Friends are invited to the church for a visitation from 10:00 AM until the time of the service. Interment will be at Conestoga Memorial Park Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Matthew or to Hospice of Lancaster County (685 Good Drive, P. O. Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604-4125 or online at www.hospiceoflancaster.org).
Print Obituary & Condolences
Bentz Family,
Was sorry to hear of Uncle Lloyd’s passing. I have great memories of our time together in Lancaster. He had a long and prosperous life with a great and loving family.
Our Best from the Nettling’s
Randy,Leslie,Tony,Billy and Mark
Lloyd was a longtime dear friend through his volunteer work at Office of Aging. We always looked forward to the day we knew he would be in, and that is no joke. He was always such a good sport, and so much fun to tease. I will always remember Lloyd’s humor, class, warmth and caring. Lloyd was always so proud of his family, I remember him sharing pictures of Hannah as a wee redhead. Hopefully, you have many happy memories to comfort you. God bless.
Marge,Jan,Hannah and family – we were so sorry to learn of Lloyd’s passing. Our prayers are with you for your comfort. Always remember “God is the Master Weaver and only He knows when the tapestry is complete”.
Jan,
So Sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. He live a long fulfilling life. He has now gone to a better place and will join my Mom
Eileen
Dear Bentz Family,
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Mr. Bentz was a wonderful neighbor for the past 10 years. We always enjoyed seeing him work in the yard, and our dog Hoagie loved his petting. He will be sorely missed.
Ben and Lori Smith
Dear Peg, my heartfelt condolences at this time. Your home was a refuge–a vision of normalcy for a confused little girl. I often think of Lloyd’s humor: so innocent and reliable. Thank you for being there for us; for the willow tree we swung on, and for sharing your precious lives. Vicky
what a great man lloyd was. it takes a very special person to deal with all the problems of those he faced each day at the office of aging, sending all i ever saw him help, away with relief and in most cases a smile and big thank you. he will be missed by all who knew him.
As one born and raised in the neighborhood, and as one who grew up in St. Matthew Church, I knew Mr. Bentz from my earliest years. Then, and in more recent years as I would get back to visit St. Matthew’s, he was always (and I do mean always) a warm and welcoming man with a big heart and a joyous smile. What a blessing!