Richard W. Bentley, Jr.

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Richard W. “Rich” Bentley, Jr., who left us peacefully on April 27, 2025 at the age of 73 after a courageous battle with cancer.

Born April 13, 1952 to Richard Sr. and Millicent (Thompson) Bentley and stepmother Lois (Gustafson) Bentley, Rich was a lifelong Hamden resident. He grew up with an adventurous spirit and touched the lives of everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

Rich was the loving and devoted husband of 35 years to Gale (Zacarelli) Bentley. Besides his wife Gale, Rich is survived by his beloved daughter, Heather Quilghini, his awesome grandson, D.J. Piccola, his sister, Linda Woodward and her husband John Coassin, nephew, Travis Woodward and his daughters Laura and Maya Woodward, his mother-in-law, Mary Zacarelli and brother-in-law, Paul Zacarelli. Rich was predeceased by his nephew, Kevin Woodward, and father-in-law, Pasquale Zacarelli.

Rich started his career as a laborer at his father’s masonry company, BenRoss Construction. Later he joined the Carpenters Union Local 24 and before retiring worked in residential construction.

Rich enjoyed hunting, fishing, tending to his garden, baseball and hockey. He especially enjoyed vacationing in Maine with Gale.

Rich’s family would like to thank the staff at Yale ED and Medical ICU for their care and compassion.

Friends are invited to visit with Rich’s family on Friday, May 2, 2025 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Beecher & Bennett Funeral Home, 2300 Whitney Ave., Hamden. His Prayer Service will begin at 12:30 p.m. in the funeral home, followed by burial in St. Bridget Cemetery, Cheshire. In lieu of flowers, should you choose to make a donation in Rich’s name, please feel free to donate to American Cancer Society of CT or plant a tree in his honor. To send a condolence to his family, please see his obituary at: www.beecherandbennett.com.