Mr. Steve Charles Bendick, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and pillar of his community, passed away on May 31, 2025. A native of Yonkers, N.Y., Steve lived a life marked by service, generosity, and quiet strength.
Steve spent 32 years working at the Andrus Children’s Home in Yonkers, where his dedication and compassion left a lasting mark on countless lives. In 1989 he and his wife moved to the Eastern Shore of Virginia, where he worked at Eastern Shore Community College for 20 years.
Steve served his community in many ways. A proud U.S. Air Force veteran, he was also a lifetime member of the Melfa Volunteer Fire Company. He was a faithful and active member of St. Peter Catholic Church, where he was best known and loved by many as St. Nicholas during the holiday season. His deep faith and generous heart were also reflected in his membership in the Knights of Columbus. He was also known throughout the community as Santa Claus, bringing smiles to generations of families.
Steve had a heart for youth and service. He volunteered with the Boy Scouts and shared his passion for leather crafting with many over the years, encouraging creativity and mentorship. His talent for working with leather was not only a skill but a gift he eagerly passed on to others, usually in the form of his personalized “Key Bobs.”
Whether lending a helping hand to a friend or a stranger, Steve was always there in times of need. His kindness knew no boundaries. He was a familiar face at the “McDonald’s Coffee Club” and the Sage Diner, where friendships and stories were shared over countless cups of coffee.
Steve is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Denise Bendick; his children, Charles Bendick (Grace), Frank Bendick, Laura Bendick, Jennifer Garych (David), and Trevor Bendick; his grandchildren, Elizabeth Lippert (Jacob) and James Bendick; and his great-grandchildren, Henry and Charlotte Lippert. He is also survived by his beloved aunt, Emily Bendick, and special cousins, Tancy Morrow and James and Karen Wilson.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Pauline Bendick, and his sister, Diane DeVito. Steve’s legacy of compassion, community service, and quiet generosity will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
Services will be conducted Saturday, June 14, at 11 a.m. at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church with Father Michael Imperial officiating. A graveside service with military honors will follow at Fairview Cemetery, Onancock.
Flowers will be accepted, or memorials may be sent to St. Peter Catholic Church, P.O. Box 860, Onley, VA 23418 or to the Alzheimer’s Association, 5432 Bayside Road, Exmore, VA 23350.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.doughtyfuneralhome.com
Arrangements are by Doughty Funeral Home in Exmore.
