FRANKFORT - Roger Fay Bender, 80, of West Frankfort , died after a lengthy illness on Sunday, March 24, 2013, in the comfort of the home that he built with his own two hands. He was born in Utica on March 30, 1932, the son of the late Mary Hardiman Ferguson and Harold Fay Ferguson. His mother died after child birth and he was raise by her older sister Elizabeth and Paul Bender. After graduating from Herkimer High School class of 1951, he enlisted in the US Navy serving 4 years and was honorably discharged in 1956. Upon his return he enrolled in Utica College. He was employed with General Electric for thirty years taking pride in his work at the Aerospace Division. On June 21, 1958 he married Nancy Kathryn Casanova in Edwards. He enjoyed spending time on the St. Lawrence River with his dogs and family. There he was one of the first SCUBA divers. He enjoyed motorcycle trips across the United States and Canada. Many hours were spent in his younger years hunting and fishing. He lived a very full life and lived it on his own terms. Besides his wife of 54 years, Nancy, Roger he is survived by his daughter, Dr. Carla (Daniel) Bender of Alexandria Bay, his son Paul (Anne) Bender, his grandchildren, Thomas Leander Bender, and Samantha Elizabeth Bender, brothers and sisters, Donald Ferguson, Sally Reed, Charles Ferguson, Harold Ferguson, Paul Ferguson, Fannie Farley, Mary Winegard, Fay Ferguson, Esther Garretson and a niece Mary Lou (Ben) Reape. He was predeceased by sister, Jane Bender Siegel and brother, Jack Ferguson. Calling hours will be on Wednesday from 5:00-7:00 pm in Fenner Funeral Home, Inc. 115 Court Street, Herkimer. The funeral service will follow at 7:00 pm in the funeral home with the Reverend Lucy Ijams officiating. The family would like to acknowledge the special care given to Roger by the Hospice team and caregivers and Missy, Chris, Amy, John, Lisa, and Judy. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Frankfort Center Volunteer Fire Department, 799 Center Road, Frankfort, NY 13340 or Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc., 4277 Middle Settlement Road, New Hartford, NY 13413