Longtime Westporter Richard Bentley — a noted international banker, golfer, amateur performer, and for 60 years the husband of artist Nina Bentley — died peacefully at home last month, of complications from brain cancer. He was 82.
A high school baseball star in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, his lifelong wanderlust was piqued when he and his twin brother joined the Navy. Richard returned home to graduate from the University of Wisconsin, and met the love of his life: artist Nina Millock.
Richard Bentley
After earning a master’s in international relations from Johns Hopkins University, Richard studied in Italy and Germany. During his career as an international banker, he worked in Germany, Switzerland, England, Chile and Venezuela. He spoke fluent German and Spanish.
He retired at 55, then pivoted to a 20-year career as an educator in Fairfield County and beyond.
Richard played leading roles in amateur theater productions, and was often the only person singing on-key at family gatherings. He enjoyed poetry writing and cooking. His lifelong tennis competition with Nina ended in a draw, but he did master the sport of golf.
Richard is survived by his wife Nina; sons Christopher (Mari) and Andrew (Fiona), and daughter Jennifer (Justin); 9 grandchildren; brother James; 4 nieces and nephews, and his golden retriever Riley.
(Hat tip: Dick Lowenstein)
