Robert N. Bentley

Bob, was the loving and devoted husband of Dixie Lee (Ingalls) Bentley, with whom he shared 61 years of marriage, and a love story that began in high school and blossomed into a beautiful journey of companionship and shared dreams.

Bob was predeceased by his father Robert C. Bentley, mother, Betty M. (Nielsen) Bentley, sister, Virginia Jezouit and brother-in-law, Donald Varanese.

Bob graduated from Windsor High School in 1960, and enlisted in the USAF where he proudly served his country as a member of the 97th Bomb Wing in the Strategic Air Command performing aerial refueling missions. The military was a transformative force that shaped his character and outlook on life. The values instilled during his service became his foundation---discipline, honor and integrity. He married the love of his life, Dixie, while on leave in 1962.

In 1965, Bob and Dixie returned to Windsor where they worked and raised their family. There he served his community as a dedicated firefighter with the Wilson Volunteer Fire Department. He was employed by Stanadyne Diesel Systems for 46 years, and through sheer determination he carved a path that led to a brilliant career from humble beginnings on the loading docks in 1960, to his retirement in 2006 as the Director of World Service. Throughout his lifetime Bob logged more than 4 million miles of air travel, visited more than 90 countries, and had friends in all corners of the world.

After retirement Bob and Dixie moved to their home on Cape Cod. Bob’s list of hobbies was endless and included fishing, clamming, bird watching, cooking, woodworking and sharing his Danish heritage. He was an avid cruiser and loved traveling with his wife. His extensive gardens were a testament to his patience, dedication and nurturing spirit and he proudly shared his bounty with all (including the rabbits which he eventually came to a truce with). Yet, his greatest joy was sharing his love for the Cape with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Bob is survived by his wife Dixie Bentley of Eastham, MA; four daughters, Robin Suhie of Manchester, CT, Cindy Vosburgh of Cheshire, CT, Denise Bentley-Drobish and first-mate Bob of Wallingford, CT, and Kristine Bentley of East Windsor, CT. He also leaves his sister, Nettie Varanese of Marco Island, FL.; his Aunt Edna of Brewster, MA; and countless treasured cousins and friends.

Bob was affectionately known as “Papa” to his thirteen adoring grandchildren; Ashley Landers and husband Connor, Kayla Holtz and husband Harrison, Paige Vosburgh, Joshua Bentley, Christiaan Vosburgh, Kelsey Jacobs, Rachael Suhie, Grace Vosburgh, Nicholas Jacobs, Andrew Suhie, Brayden Drobish, Kaylee Drobish, Tanner Drobish and four great-grandsons; Otis Beach, Wesley Samuel, Theodore Lee, and Finn Foster with two new great-grandsons due to arrive this fall.

To honor his memory family and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life to be held on Sunday, September 10th at 35 Phair Road, Eastham, MA at 1:00pm. Service to begin at 1:30pm with Military Honors at 2:15pm. Reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in memory of Bob to Vietnam Veterans of America at vva.org.