Obituaries
Julius J. “JJ” Bentman, DDS, MScD, 101
July 19, 2021
JJ Bentman, 101, passed away peacefully on Monday, July 19, 2021 at Moravian Manor, Lititz, PA.
Born in Philadelphia, PA, he was the adoring husband of the late Ada Bentman and the son of the late Isadore and Gertrude (Schipior) Bentman.
JJ missed nothing in living; not with his family, among his friends, in his periodontal practice, or in visiting the world around him. He was a warm, friendly, optimistic man who valued hard work and perseverance; striving to do his best at everything he did. He was a life-long teacher and loved being playful, capturing children’s attention.
Though his worn shoe soles were patched with newspapers as a child, he earned his undergraduate, dental, and periodontal degrees from the University of Pennsylvania. He remained on the faculty of the dental school for thirty years. After WWII, he moved to Lancaster where he established a private practice in periodontal dentistry and served as a consultant to the Lebanon VAH and the Cleft Palate Clinic.
JJ was a Captain in the Army during WWII, serving as a dentist at Fort Lewis, WA and Excursion Inlet, Alaska. After retiring from dentistry, he was an active member of the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA). He visited elementary schools and through his stories, educated students about the daily life of the troops who supported the front lines during WWII.
JJ’s other interests and talents were varied. He would try anything new at least once; stumbling at first never dissuaded him. He was an accomplished artist in the mediums of painting, jewelry design, and sculpture. JJ was most proud of his contribution to the Smithsonian Institute’s Tropical Rain Forest exhibit in 1988 which toured the US. He was a life-long sports enthusiast enjoying skiing, hiking, swimming, sailing and golf. JJ fixed and built almost everything himself, from his dental equipment to the backyard shed. For 60 years, he was a meticulous caretaker of his home and the surrounding landscaping.
JJ is survived by two daughters, Adrienne L., Bentman, MD, West Hartford, CT and Mara L. Bentman, LICSW, Ed.M, wife of Joseph C. LoPresti, Watertown, MA; his nephew, Russell Bentman of Philadelphia, PA and two grandchildren, Gabriel P. Silverman and Alexandra L. Silverman.
A private memorial service will be held by the family in the spring of 2022. Condolence contributions can be sent to Hospice and Community Care, P.O. Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604-4125 or Jewish Family Services, 75 East James St, Lancaster, PA, 17602.
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Condolences to the Family
July 26, 2021
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. Alan and Linda Loss
July 25, 2021
My name is Mike McNerney. I was one of Dr. Bentmans first patients in Lancaster 70 years ago. I was 12 years old and had a very bad case of bleeding gums which I got from German measles. Doc treated them and used then experimental procedures which successfully enabled me to save all my teeth. He took photos of my mouth and used them as a teaching tool at Penn Dental school . I stayed as his patient until he retired. We stayed in touch after his retirement.I still have all my teeth at 82 years old!! Rest in peace my friend!! Mike Mc Nerney
July 25, 2021
Dear Bentman Family,
Dr. Bentman, or “J.J.” as my father referred to him, was a friend and dental colleague of my father, Clifton E. Benson. He was also my father’s dentist! For years I would hear Daddy fondly mention having seen his good friend. He obviously had great esteem for his professional expertise, but was also so appreciative of their sincere friendship. My father passed away years ago, but I will always remember the close rapport these two men shared. Your mother, Ada, was almost always a part of these recollections as well.
Deepest sympathy to you all. Thank you for sharing this wonderful person with so many.
Deborah Benson Everett
July 25, 2021
With his outgoing personality and easy going sense of humor, everyone in the Lancaster Chapter Military Officers Association of America knew J.J. Bentman. He was a mainstay of our social functions and military veterans’ school visits. He was a well respected leader of the organization serving multiple terms on the board of directors and in elected officer positions. We have greatly missed his presence the past several years as his health declined and sadly render a final salute.
David W. Shelton
Preident, Lancaster Chapter MOAA
July 25, 2021
My parents, Madaline and Lester Miller, were contemporaries of your parents. Your Mom was so sweet. I often spoke with her about sisterhood events. Though I did not know your Dad well, I hope you will will remember him with blessings and love.
Rosanne Miller Selfon
