Bruce F. Bender, 76, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on August 19, 2026, in Jacksonville, Florida.

Bruce was born in Toledo, Ohio, on October 4, 1949, to Richard and Joann Bender. He grew up in Syracuse, New York, and graduated from Nottingham High School in 1967. He went on to graduate from Muskingum College in New Concord, Ohio, in 1971 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics. It was at Muskingum that he met his beloved wife, Margaret “Peggy” Bender. He was a member of the MACE Fraternity. He later earned his MBA from Rutgers University in New Jersey and became a Certified Public Accountant.

Bruce began his professional career with Coopers & Lybrand accounting firm in New York City. He subsequently joined Lyle Stuart Publishing, where he ultimately served as president. The company later became Carol Publishing, where he continued to serve as president. Throughout his career, he was a member of numerous publishing organizations. Bruce enjoyed a long and successful career in publishing, working in the industry for more than 30 years before retiring.

Bruce spent much of his life in Westfield, New Jersey, where he and Peggy raised their twin daughters, Courtney and Meghan. He served on the Westfield Symphony Board of Directors, and he was a member of the West Fields Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution. He and his family were also members of the First Presbyterian Church in Westfield. Upon retirement, Bruce moved to Naples, Florida, and eventually to Ponte Vedra, Florida, where he lived for the past 10 years.

A lifelong lover of reading, especially at the beach, Bruce also enjoyed snow skiing and traveling the world with Peggy and their family. He was a connoisseur of fine wine and food who appreciated memorable meals and the company that came with them.

Through every chapter of his life, Bruce’s devotion to Peggy and his family was constant. He was a generous, caring, and devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. He cared deeply for Peggy, his daughters, and his grandchildren, always placing their happiness and well-being at the center of his life. He cherished the many moments they shared and took tremendous pride and joy in watching his family grow.

Bruce is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, Peggy; his twin daughters, Courtney Liggera and her husband, Michael, and Meghan Parsons and her husband, Michael; his grandchildren, Alexandra Liggera, 16, Ariella Liggera, 13, Addison Parsons, 16, and Jaxon Parsons, 13; his brother, Eric; his sister, Nancy; and his nieces and nephews.

Bruce will be deeply missed by his family and by all who had the privilege of knowing and loving him. His kindness, generosity, devotion to his family, and warm presence will remain in the hearts of those who knew him.

Funeral arrangements will be announced at a later date.