Biography:

Charles A. Bentley Jr. was an only child born to Charles and Almita Bentley Sr. on December 29th 1946 in New York at Mother Cabrini Hospital. Growing up he was known as Chuckie. He attended St. Charles Borromeo Catholic School in Harlem and graduated in 1960. While he attended St. Charles, he served as an altar boy. He also developed his lifelong love of music by learning to play the trumpet while he was there.

In 1964, he graduated from George Washington High School and then enlisted into the United States Marines. He served from 1965 to 1969 and did two tours in Vietnam. Bentley was a proud Marine and he loved sharing stories of the time he spent in Japan. He loved being a part of the military and serving his country so much that he never lost his military swagger. He definitely had a distinctive walk that could be seen and recognized blocks away. Bentley was a man of honor, discipline and order.

Upon his return home, he attended Brooklyn College as a business major. Afterwards, he pursued several positions in the banking industry. Eventually his love and interest in music led him to become a road manager for the Janice Singing Entertainment Group. His travels with the group moved him across the country to LA, as he would say.

After several years of fun in the sun, he returned home to his native New York. With his knowledge of business, his entrepreneurial spirit, his love of cars and driving, he went on a joint venture with friends . They purchased and managed a garage for several years. After they closed the garage, he worked for Enterprise until his retirement. Also, he was a huge sports fan of the New York Knicks, Giants, Yankees and the Lakers, from his time in LA. Another one of his pleasures was using his culinary skills, especially making lamb.

Our paths crossed when I would take Laurie to Riverside Park and he managed the garage. The garage was on the way to the park and we would have casual conversation discovering we knew some of the same people. Well the rest is history. For over 40 years plus we were each other's rock. We always supported each other through life's challenges and celebrations. Bentley was one of a kind. Not only did he love me, he supported Laurie as his own.

To Laurie, everyone has a father but not everyone can be a dad. Bentley was her dad. Bentley also became family to the Davises. He became a son, a brother, an uncle, and a grandfather. He had a special relationship with each of them. And no matter who called, he was always there. He went to a Yankee game , drove to a college tour, he shared Capricorn camaraderie, just to name a few. And when Laurie didn't feel well at school, I could always count on him to pick her up. His love for Laurie carried over to Jared. He loved Jared to pieces. When Jared would spend the night, Jared spent most of his time with Bentley. On the weekends he and Jared would take the bus to the park. Bentley would always brag about Jared being so smart and well-behaved because of the invitations Jared would receive for play dates. He also taught and made sure Jared knew how to tie his shoes, military style. Bentley was well loved by everyone.

His legacy will live on in the love he gave and the many lives he touched. His light will shine on forever. His love, laughter and presence will always remain in our hearts. Bentley is preceded in death by his parents. He leaves to cherish his memory, his loving and devoted partner, Brenda, his daughter, Laurie, his grandson, Jared, his God-daughter Tandy , his friend Chester, and a host of friends and neighbors.