Obituary of Joseph S. Bender

It is with great sadness that the family of Joseph S. Bender announces his passing on Friday, January 26, 2018 at the age of 67. Joseph Bender will be remembered by the many lives he touched and by those who love him dearly, but none more than his beloved family, his wife of 39 years, Patricia Bender (Bennard), children Kyle (Tiara), and Christy Chern (Josh), his sister Mary Boldon (Dean), and his grandchildren Ryan and Emma who will miss him immensely. Joe served for over 40 years as the Executive Director/CEO for the Occupational Training Center of Burlington County, Inc., a non-profit agency that provides vocational and occupational training, job placement, and employment services to individuals with by disabilities. Under Joe's dedicated leadership, OTC was transformed from an agency with a mere $300,000 operating budget to an agency that today has grown to over $35,000,000. As a result, individuals participating in programs offered by OTC increased from just 50 to over 600 individuals who now receive vocational work opportunities through OTC's vast network of work service programs. These programs include benchwork assembly operations which are provided through local business, and custodial and janitorial contracts provided through local, state, and federal contracts. Because of Joe's foresight and vast network of contacts, the OTC forged a partnership with Burlington County to operate the Burlington Count Regional Recycling program. The program serves as one of the largest shared services programs in existence providing collection, processing and marketing services for Burlington county, State of NJ, and the Joint Base McGuire, Ft. Dix and Lakehurst. Under Joe's leadership OTC also further expanded its services to provide additional adult community access centers, group homes, and crew labor work services for individuals with disabilities. Joe leaves behind a legacy of achievements which include OTC earning the highest level of national accreditation from CARF each year since 1979, and OTC being a 3 time recipient of, The Facility of the Year Award, from NJ ACCSES, (the state association of rehabilitation facilities). Joes legacy also includes numerous awards and recognitions to OTC from the Federal government, State of NJ, and the Burlington County Board of Chosen Freeholders. Joe played such a vital role in the survival and growth of the OTC that in 2015 the Board of Directors unanimously voted to name their 65,000 square foot building the Joseph S. Bender Building in honor of him. A private service for Joseph Bender was held by his family. Memorial service will be announced at a later date to honor Joe and the legacy he has left behind. A foundation has been established in his name. In lieu of gifts and flowers the family has asked that donations be made to the: Joseph S. Bender Foundation Occupational Training Center of Burlington County 2 Manhattan Drive, Burlington, NJ 08016