Gregory Vanderhoof Bentley, Sr. a long-time resident of Beacon, who is well-known and loved by many, passed away on Feb. 25, 2023. He was on vacation in Cancun, Mexico, with his beloved companion, Ellie La Vecchia when he suddenly suffered from heart failure.
Gregory was born in Peekskill on Jan. 28, 1958, the sixth child of Gertrude (nee McKeon) and David Dow Bentley, Jr. He graduated from Peekskill High School in 1976 and studied at Manhattan College, then Clarkson University, where he graduated with a degree in civil engineering in 1981. He began his professional career at Amman & Whitney Engineers in New York City and went on to work for the New York State Department of Transportation for 11 years, then on to a position as the Director of Engineering for Dutchess County.
During the next 14 years, Gregory led the development of countless local infrastructure projects including one of his proudest contributions to the community, the Dutchess Rail Trail. He served the public through his commitment to safety, efficiency and beauty in every project he worked on both professionally and personally. Much to his loved one’s amusement, when referring to local roads, highways and bridges, Gregory took great pride in pointing out that he “built that.” In 2016 he continued his work with the NYSDOT, as Resident Engineer for Putnam and Southern Dutchess Counties. After an illustrious career spanning three decades of civil service, he retired in August 2021.
Gregory’s favorite job in life was that of being the Dad of his three very exceptional children. They were the heart of Greg’s life and gave joy to him every day as they were growing up and sharing family, school and sports activities, where Greg often volunteered as a coach, chaperone and mentor to many. They frequently enjoyed the great outdoors with visits to “The Cabin” in the Adirondacks and his sister Jeanie’s New England homes. These bonds of love deepened, as they grew into caring young adults, who gave their Dad endless moments of pride and joy.
Gregory enjoyed many travels. Amongst them was a once in a lifetime family trip to Italy, that he had the pleasure of doing twice. His brothers Dow and Niles were his favorite tennis partners, where sharing humor was way more important than returning the serve. He enjoyed imparting his love for water on others, whether it be through playing in the pool or teaching them to fish. “Hoof” frequently joined his cousin and lifelong best friend Darby Walsh, as well as many other members of the Peekskill gang for a round of golf. When they weren’t on the links, they often enjoyed obnoxiously loud live music events.
Gregory was always ready to gather for a family dinner, especially when his sister Julie was steaming up a pot of lobsters. He followed in his mother Gertrude’s footsteps as a loving cook. He and his children are well known as the hosts of an extravagant Friendsgiving feast accompanied by an abundance of loved ones and food. Most notably, Greg enjoyed celebrating his Christmas tradition of donning a bright red Santa hat to any and all occasions. Among the list of these occasions, was he and his sister Sally’s ritual of cutting down their own Douglas firs to proudly display in their homes well beyond the winter season.
Gregory’s life was characterized by a lively spirit, humor and most of all love. Greg was a proud and encouraging friend of Bill W’s for more than 29 years and was often rejoicing in his sobriety, while leading meetings in nearby AA groups. Greg lived a loving life one day at a time and all his family and friends had their lives enriched by just witnessing the example of his joy filled life and receiving his love.
Gregory shared a lifetime of blessings with his many brothers and sisters and extended family and friends. Greg was predeceased by his parents, David and Gertrude Bentley and his brother Niles (Anand) Sutton Bentley. He is survived by his sons Gregory Vanderhoof Bentley, Jr. and Colin Patrick Bentley, his favorite woman, his daughter Whitney Taylor Bentley, his brother David Dow Bentley III and his sisters Sara Anne (Sally) Bentley, Julia M. Bentley and Dr. Jeanne B. Lawrence. His former wife Holly Bentley shares in this loss with their three children, along with cousins, countless nieces, nephews and friends.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Greg can be made to the American Heart Association — Gregory Bentley Memorial (bit.ly/3YhYURo), Doctors Without Borders (doctorswithoutborders.org) and/or Habitat for Humanity (habitat.org).
Services were held under the direction of the McHoul Funeral Home of Fishkill, Inc. 1089 Main St. Fishkill, NY 12524. For online tributes, you can visit Gregory’s Book of Memories at mchoulfuneralhome.com.
