William Charles Bentley

On April 15, 1941, Bill was born in Batavia, New York to William P. Bentley and Ruth Yerger. As a young man, he later met and married the love of his life, Kathleen (Kathy) Rexicker, in Tonawanda, New York.

Early on, Bill served in the United States Army, and later worked for the city of Tonawanda, until he encountered a personal relationship with his Lord Jesus Christ.

For thirty years onward, Bill served as pastor at The Salvation Army. Together with his wife Kathy, they raised five children and travelled the United States and its territories. The Bentleys called many areas of the country “home” during this time, including Geneva, Oswego, and Rochester New York, Cleveland and Toledo, Ohio, Providence, Rhode Island, Stamford, Connecticut, and even the tropical locale of St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands.

In 2006, Bill retired from The Salvation Army with the rank of Major. After retirement, he stayed active and volunteered as a Greeter for the New York Thruway Welcome Center, sharing his love for Western New York and sociable personality with visitors to the state.

Bill was the proud father of five children, William H. Bentley (Kate) of Swansea, Massachusetts, Dana M. Bentley (Laurie) of Rochester, New York, Talbert J. Bentley (Kim), of Ovid, New York, Kathleen (Bentley) Calvo (Joaquin), of Glenmont, New York, and Philip C. Bentley of Bloomingdale, New Jersey.

His children remember Bill as a voracious reader, especially of science fiction; a motorcycle enthusiast, who continued to ride well into his 70s; and a skilled bowler. Bill is also remembered as a true hobbyist who had an artistic eye and passion for photography, including developing his own prints in a self-built dark room. He was also a model rocket enthusiast, who started clubs for youth groups to participate.

Bill was passionate about wrestling and supported his sons, who were active in this sport. During one tournament, he even participated. Dressed in purple, he transformed into a wrestling alter-ego, “The Purple Avenger.” Bill also passed down his love for authentic ethnic foods to his children, often finding the best local Polish or Chinese restaurant to enjoy. He is remembered for his twinkling blue eyes, his dead-pan humor and his quick wit, which never seemed to dull even after he suffered a traumatic brain injury many years ago.

Bill’s legacy includes two granddaughters, Kayla Calvo and Amber Bentley, six grandsons, Dana Bentley Jr., Timothy Bentley, William Bentley, Kieran Bentley, Andrew Calvo, Nathanael Calvo, and seven great-grandchildren.

Bill was also a brother to John Bentley, David Bentley, and Ellen (Bentley) Palumbo.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Patricia Felder.

A celebration of Bill’s life will be held Saturday, April 5, 2025, beginning at 10:30 am at The Salvation Army, 83 South Main Street, Jamestown, New York.

To leave words of condolence, please visit lind funeralhome.com.