Ray Bendt

Mirl “Ray” Bendt passed peacefully on April 11, 2024, in the company of his family. A devout Husband, Father, and Grandfather, Ray lived a full life. Born in Salt Lake City, Utah on February 9, 1940, he was the oldest of six children. As part of a military family, Ray went to school in several states including Connecticut, Alaska, Georgia, and Monterey, California. After graduating from East Haven High School in Connecticut, Ray joined the Air Force at age 18 and served at Evreux-Fauville Air Base in France. A few years later he returned to the US and began his career at the Space Sciences Shop at the University of Maryland, where he completed his Bachelor of Science degree. He met the love of his life, Marion Laga, who was a registered nurse getting her graduate degree at the University of Maryland. In 1966 Ray and Marion married at St. Jerome Catholic Church in Hyattsville, Maryland. Ray was an incredibly loving and involved Dad supporting his sons Dan and Tim in Boy Scouts, skiing, golfing, going on field trips, and attending University of Maryland football and basketball games.

He found immense joy in gardening, listening to music, dancing, family trips to Disney, and spending precious moments with family and friends. Ray considered himself a tournament golfer and enjoyed playing various tournaments, including, SSAI, Lamberts, and Knights of Columbus, making new friends and enjoying the company of old friends. Ray would always engage in activities with an infectious positive attitude, a sparkle in his eye, and an easy smile.

Ray worked at the University of Maryland for 30 years as machinist and was an avid supporter of UMD football and men’s and women’s basketball for more than 55 years. After retirement from UMD in 1993 Ray continued working full time for 28 years at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. Ray loved his work and the comradery shared with colleagues over the many years. He finally retired for the second time and enjoyed spending time with Marion in their home in Bethany, Delaware. Ray also enjoyed visits from his family and friends while in Delaware.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents, William and Virgina Bendt. He is survived by his wife of 58 years Marion Bendt; his sons, Dan (Corrinne), Tim (Aida); his Grandchildren Bijan and Nina; his siblings Barbara, Bruce, Steve, Cathy, and Wendy; and his loving nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on April 30^th at 10am at Saint Luke Lutheran Church 9100 Colesville Road, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910 followed by Funeral Services at 11am, a reception will follow in the church Great Hall. Private Burial will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Saint Luke Lutheran Church using the following link and selecting “Ray Bendt Memorial”: Saint Luke Lutheran Church "Ray Bendt Memorial" or mail a check to Saint Luke Lutheran Church 9100 Colesville Road, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910 note: Ray Bendt Memorial