Arthur L. Bentley, 72, of Johnston, passed away on Tuesday May 27th, surrounded by his loving family. He was the beloved husband of Marcia (Monfette) Bentley for 32 years.
Born in Providence, he was a son of the late Arthur and Olive (Horr) Bentley.
Mr. Bentley received his Bachelor’s degree and earned his Master’s degree from Rhode Island College.
He began his elementary school teaching career in the Woonsocket school system, and then was hired by the Providence school system, where he taught at various elementary schools, for many years retiring in 2012.
At a young age, he taught himself how to play tennis and became an All-State Tennis player from Cranston East High School. This earned him a scholarship to Rhode Island College, where he competed in regional matches and appeared in the NCAA national tournament. He is a member of the Rhode Island Sports Hall of Fame, the Rhode Island College Hall of Fame, and is considered one of the top 100 athletes from Rhode Island College. In later years, he took up the game of golf, where he continued to have success. He was a member of Triggs, the Rhode Island Golf Association, and played in the Providence Teachers Golf League.
Mr. Bentley was an avid gardener, spending time cultivating his crops, such as blue berries, corn on the cob, as well as numerous other crops including San Marzano tomatoes. He taught himself how to play the guitar, and he enjoyed playing music. He enjoyed time boating and was a member of the Saltwater Anglers Association.
After retiring, he and his wife spent time travelling the United States, visiting national parks and Hawaii. They also visited Italy, Greece, and France.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by a daughter, Elizabeth Volpe and her husband Justin; three grandchildren, Grace, John, and Jackson; and a sister, Patricia Barker and her husband Joseph; as well as many nieces and nephews.
A funeral service will be Wednesday June 4th from the A.A. Mariani & Son Funeral Home, 200 Hawkins Street, Providence, at 10:00 am. Burial will follow in St Jean-Baptiste, Bellingham, MA. Visiting hours are Tuesday June 3rd, 4:00-7:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: Hope Hospice & Palliative Care, 1085 North Main Street, Providence, RI 02904.
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