Richard J. Bender ’44

Published in the Dec. 4, 2013, Issue

Dick, the youngest of five brothers who attended Princeton and '44's top tennis player, died Dec. 2, 2004, in St. Louis, Mo., of complications from respiratory disease. He was 82.

He prepared at the Pingry School in Elizabeth, N.J., his birthplace. At 15, he had already won the U.S. boys' tennis championship. At Princeton, he majored in history, was vice president of the Catholic Club, and treasurer of Tower Club. In 1942, Dick's and Geg Buttenheim's victory in the Eastern Intercollegiate doubles competition, won enough points for Princeton to retire the trophy. Dick was chosen tennis captain for 1943, and would reach a ranking of No. 16 in the country.

After teaching history and coaching tennis at Choate, he moved to St. Louis with Anheuser-Busch, became vice president of purchasing, and worked with August A. Busch Jr. in starting an entertainment division (Busch Gardens/Sea World). After retiring in 1975, he helped build and lead the Frontenac Racquet Club. In later years, he switched to golf.

Survivors include his wife of 51 years, Inez G. Bender; sons Richard J., Robert G., and Albert F.; a daughter, Cynthia G.; brother Robert A. '42; and sister Genevieve Graham. Our sincere condolences go to all.

The Class of 1944