Wayne “Poppie”  E. Bedore, Sr., 80 passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 26th surrounded by his family in Danbury Hospital after a courageous battle with cancer. 

Wayne was born on July 19th, 1935 in Kingston, NY and was the cherished and only child of the late Oscar William and Dorothy (Navins) Bedore. Wayne grew up in Elmsford, NY and raised his family in White Plains until they moved to Bethel, CT in 1978. He attended White Plains High School, class of 1953 and upon graduation, entered the electrical trade through local union IBEW 501.  His first project was the original Tappan Zee Bridge with Whiffen Electrical Company along with his father Oscar who was a foreman on the New York side of the bridge. Wayne learned high voltage splicing during his tenure and was known for his meticulous craftsmanship.  In Wayne’s younger years, he was a caddy at the Knollwood Country Club in Elmsford, NY and received 25 cents per bag (one of his favorite stories to tell).  He loved to spend time fishing with his grandchildren, woodworking and had a tremendous love for animals. The last year of his life was spent with his daughter Janine, son-in-law David and their family in Newtown, CT. Wayne loved living with his family and became a nucleus of the house with all of his humor.  If you needed a report of what was going on or where someone was in the house, all you had to do was ask him as he kept tabs on everyone and everything.  Wayne was a true gentleman and was always concerned about the wellbeing of those around him. Wayne’s demeanor was quiet, caring and humorous which made those around him become attached.  He was everyone’s “Poppie.”

Survivors include his children Janine Bedore Bonadio and her husband David of Newtown, CT, Daniel Bedore and his wife Paula of Bethel, CT, Bobby Bedore and his wife Vickie of Glenburn, ME and Wayne E. Bedore Jr. and his wife Susan of Yorktown Heights, NY.  Wayne also leaves behind eleven grandchildren: Jacqueline, Austin & Andriana Bonadio, Annie, Corey, Kristi, Jamie, Kaylee Bedore, Jennifer Bedore Relph, Robert Bedore, Jr., and Samantha Bedore as well as six great grandchildren: Elijah, Myah, Sienna & Vera Relph, Ava McClellan and Apria Bonadio.

He was pre-deceased by his wife of 45 years Eleanor Joan (Zeh) Bedore and his black Labrador retriever companion, Riley, of 16 years.

The family would like to acknowledge and thank the many Doctors and Nurses at Danbury Hospital’s 10th and 11th floors for their compassion and support to Wayne throughout his battle with cancer. Special thanks to Dr. Franklin and his staff for going above and beyond. Also the Palliative Care Team and the Bethel visiting nurses.   

The family will receive friends at The Bethel Funeral Home, 215 Greenwood Ave Bethel, CT, on Friday, July 8th from 5:00 to 8:00 PM. 

A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at St. Rose of Lima Church in Newtown 10:00 AM on Saturday, July 9th. Interment will follow at St. Rose of Lima Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to Danbury Hospital Palliative Care Program. Donations should be made payable to Danbury and New Milford Hospital Foundation and sent to: Danbury and New Milford Hospital Foundation, 24 Hospital Avenue, Danbury, CT 06810

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