West Rupert, VT-Thomas M. Bentley, 78, of West Rupert, passed away Sunday, July 16, 2017 at the Vermont Veterans Home in Bennington.

Tom was born September 20, 1938 in West Rupert and attended Salem Washington Academy.  He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and served during the Vietnam Era and was tasked as an Engineer to the Seventh Air Force.  He was injured in 1970 while in Vietnam and had been disabled since.

Tom had worked in Quality Control for the Federal Government for the states of New York, New Hampshire and Massachusetts.

Tom enjoyed hunting, fishing and dancing.  He held trout tournaments on his property in West Rupert for 18 years during Rupert Fire Dept. Old Home Days in Rupert for children ages 3 to 14 years of age.  Tom was a member of AA for 43 years.

He was predeceased by his parents, Gus Bentley, Louise Carlton Smith and his step-father, Albert Gorman Smith and a sister, Molly Bentley.

Tom is survived by his wife of 33 years, Arlene Ludlam Bentley whom he married March 16, 1984; his children, Mark Bentley of Melbourne, FL, Michelle Bentley-DeLoria of Ortonville, MI and Lura Bessmer of Remsen, NY; his step-children, David McNeilly of Norfolk, MA, Bruce McNeilly of Campbell Hall, NY and Suzanne Segal of New Milford, CT.  He is also survived by a brother, John (Carolyn) Bentley of Bridport, VT and his 3 grandchildren, 5 step-grandchildren and nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am Saturday, August 26, 2017 at the McClellan-Gariepy Funeral Home, 19 East Broadway in Salem with Rev. Debbie Earthrowl officiating.

Memorial contributions in memory of Tom may be made to the Rupert Vol. Fire Dept., Rupert, VT  05768 or the Vermont Veterans Home, 325 North St., Bennington, VT  05201.