Walter Kenneth Bedell

Mr. Walter Kenneth Bedell, a lifelong resident of Medford, soulmate and husband of Ann Marie (O'Brien) Bedell, passed away at his home in Medford on Saturday morning, April 4, 2026. He was 76 years old.

Born in Medford, Massachusetts, on May 5, 1949, he was the beloved son of the late Kenneth and Helen (Landry) Bedell. Walter graduated from Medford High School, class of 1967, where he was a star football player and relished his Mustangs team victory over Malden High School. Walter was a US Navy veteran, entering the military on February 11, 1969 and received his honorable discharge on October 17, 1972. A bona fide hero who ran toward danger to save others, Walter attained the rank of E-3 and was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with two bronze stars, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Combat Action Ribbon and the Navy Achievement Medal, for his exemplary service. In civilian life, Mr. Bedell was retired from Polaroid in Waltham where he worked as an Engineer Assistant for more than 30 years. Following his retirement from Polaroid, Walter worked for the Arlington Public Schools as a Custodian at the Peirce Elementary School, where he was affectionately known as "Mr. Shrek," and paid special attention to children who felt bullied or left out.

Walter, a true aesthetic and gourmand who loved good food and colorful clothing, cared for his family above everything. His enthusiasm extended to rock 'n' roll, especially AC/DC and the Rolling Stones, hating the Yankees, cheering for the Red Sox and the Patriots, making his family laugh at all the wrong times, and turning the volume up to 11. A huge presence at family weddings, Walter enjoyed singing, dancing, and playing air guitar all night long. He will be dearly missed.

Since they met on the dance floor at the Crystal Palace in Hyannis in the summer of 1975, Walter was hopelessly devoted to his wife, Ann Marie. Later in life, Walter was blessed with his second love, his service dog Lady. Together with Lady, he volunteered for the VA, providing much-needed levity and support to disabled veterans.

Besides his beloved wife, Ann Marie, Walter is survived by his loving children; Elizabeth Ann Bedell and her partner, Jason Leto, both of Pawtucket, Rhode Island and Brien Walter Bedell and his wife Emily J. Bedell of Salem, New Hampshire. Also by his sister Shirley Bedell Lanzilli of Medford; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Theresa J. Carew and her husband Michael F. Carew of Quincy; Stephen J. O'Brien and his wife Lynette M. O'Brien of Wakefield; Maureen O'Brien of Medford; and Edward M. and his wife Kimberley A. O'Brien of Medford; and adored granddaughter Lainey Bedell of Salem, New Hampshire, and many nieces and nephews.

His funeral will be held from the Beals-Geake-Magliozzi Funeral Home, 29 Governors Avenue, Medford on Friday, April 10, 2026, at 10AM, followed by a Mass of Christian burial celebrated in St. Joseph Church, 118 High Street, Medford at 11AM. Visiting hours will be held on Thursday, April 9, 2026, from 4 to 7 PM. Private interment will be held in the Oak Grove Cemetery in Medford. Donations in Walter's memory may be made to America's Vet Dogs. For additional information, please visit, www.magliozzifuneralhome.com.