Gary L. Bentley, 77, of Duke Center passed away Sunday (May 24, 2026) at Bradford Manor.

He was born Jan. 11, 1949, in Bradford, a son of the late Howard and B. Lorraine Bond Bentley.

He was a 1967 graduate of Bradford Area High School.

On Oct. 25, 1975, at First United Methodist Church, Bradford, he married Karen L. Valentine, who preceded him in death on March 6, 2015.

He was a U.S. Army Vietnam veteran who served stateside at Fort Dix, N.J., until he was transferred to the Army National Guard where he earned the rank of sergeant and served until his honorable discharge in 1973.

He was a member of Bradford Masonic Lodge 749 F&AM; he was also a former member of the Zem Zem Shrine, Erie, where he was the former head of the Kart Korps. He was an avid skier when he was younger and was a ski instructor at the former Ski Wing Resort, Allegany, N.Y., from the time of its opening until it closed. He was also a member of Pine Acres Country Club where he enjoyed playing golf.

He was the owner of the former Bentley Welding & Fabricating and he also worked for the former CONAP, Olean, N.Y., for several years until his retirement.

He is survived by one daughter, Brooke (Eric Harper) Bentley of Bradford; two sisters, Marsha (the late Dan) Denning of Bradford and Candace (Ed) Keels of Tampa, Fla.; one brother, James (Sherry) Bentley of Pomona, Kan.; two granddaughters, Ava Harper and Cami Harper, both of Bradford; companion, Jane Larson, and her son, John Larson, both of Duke Center; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

In addition to his parents and wife he was also preceded in death by one sister, Carol Neely.

A private graveside service will be held at the convenience of the family.

Burial will be in McKean Memorial Park, Lafayette.

Memorial contributions in his memory can be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Funeral arrangements are under direction of Mascho Funeral Home Inc. Online condolences can be expressed at maschofuneral.com.