John Richard Bender

John Richard Bender of College Park, Maryland, died at home Sunday, March 12, 2023, surrounded by family and friends.

            Born to Sarah and Syl Bender of Independence, Ohio, on April 22, 1945, John grew up in Independence as well as in Tucson, Arizona. He graduated from Case Institute of Technology in Computer Sciences.

            He worked at Stanford Research Institute in Robotics, helped design the fare systems for the NYC subway and Washington DC Metro, and advised venture capitalists on IT investments.

            John earned his PhD from the University of Chicago in Economics. There he met and married his wife of 45years, Nan Roche.

            Bender worked for nearly 40 years as an economist in the Antitrust Division of the U.S. Department of Justice. His work included both civil and criminal prosecutions, across a wide range of industries. His overseas consulting as a Director of Analytical Resources took him to Poland, Russia, Kazakhstan, and Peru. He devoted countless hours to mentoring and guiding future generations of professionals at the Division, including many years as the inspirational leader of EAG’s Research Assistant program.

            He loved travel, experiencing other cultures, and was especially pleased to have climbed Machu Picchu. Climbing, cycling, and reading history, he always looked at the broader world view. His kindness and patience were remarkable, and earned him the name “St. John” in his family. He was always an optimist.

John was preceded in death by his brother, Patrick. He is survived by his wife, Nan, brother, Peter, sister Charlotte, and sister-in-law Raynel Otero, many nieces and nephews, and a wide family of loved ones. Memorial donations may be made to Catholic Relief Services.

The service will be held at Gasch’s Funeral Home, 4739 Baltimore Avenue, Hyattsville, Maryland, at 10 am on May 7.