Ralph W. Bentley, 88, of Southbury, CT, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 4, 2016 in Waterbury, CT. He was born on July 17, 1927 in Brattleboro, VT to Glossie and Mabel (Carey) Bentley, and was raised in Hinsdale, NH. He is pre-deceased by his parents; brother, Roland; and grandson, Jonathan Tyler Bentley. He is survived by his wife, Lila; his sons Robert and his wife Nancy of Fairfax VA; Gary and his wife Barbara of Southbury CT; and his daughters Diane Lambert and her husband Wayne of West Simsbury CT; Ellen Berez and her husband Larry of Monroe CT; and his eight grandchildren (Jason, Kari, Kyle, Matthew, Joshua, Aaron, Julia, Alexa), two great-grandchildren (Brandon, Christian) and his sister, Esther Castagne, of Red Lodge, MT.

Ralph enlisted in the Navy at 17 years of age before World War II ended. He served three years as a radio operator in the Pacific, shuttling POWs on LST ships between Japan and China. Using his educational benefits from the GI Bill, he graduated from RCA Institute and attended Brooklyn Polytechnic Institute pursuing a degree in electrical engineering that was cut short by the1955 flood. He worked for Remington Rand, Perkin Elmer and Bunker Ramo.

Ralph enjoyed working in the yard attending to his many flower and vegetable gardens. He also enjoyed tinkering with electronics and cars. He was an avid genealogy buff and compiled over 6000 entries on family ancestry for nearly 50 years. Ralph was an active member of the CT LST Association and enjoyed its many activities which included interacting with other LST servicemen.

A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, March 8, 2016 at the Munson-Lovetere Funeral Home in Southbury CT. Calling hours will be from 11 a.m. to 1p.m. followed by a memorial service.

Memorials: In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be sent in Ralph's name to the USS LST Ship Memorial Fund at USS LST Ship Memorial Attn: Maintenance Fund, 840 LST Drive, Evansville, Indiana 47713 or the Heritage Village Ambulance Association at www.hvambulance.org/donate .

Cemetery: Cemetery Not Applicable

Location: Munson-Lovetere Southbury

Funeral: Church Not Applicable

Services: A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, March 8, 2016 at the Munson-Lovetere Funeral Home in Southbury CT.

Visitation: Calling hours will be from 11 a.m. to 1p.m. followed by a memorial service.