Edward J. "Ted" Bedard

Edward J. "Ted" Bedard, 61, of Somers, formerly of Providence, Rhode Island, Enfield, and Orinda, California, died in Hartford Hospital on Tuesday, Oct. 5, 2021.

Ted had long suffered with many ailments over the last 15 years, including four rounds of cancer treatment, but it was the effects of a cirrhotic liver which led to heart failure that took his life in the end. Ted would not want to be remembered for his failing health. He'd rather be remembered for the work he put into the house he built himself as a young man with his first wife, Karen Thorne. He'd rather be remembered for all the great stories he shared about his years as an air freight driver. And all the stories and politics he loved to talk about to anyone who would listen. And his bad jokes – he'd want credit for those, too. He'd want you to look at his two lovely daughters and know he was a Stay-At-Home-Dad and proud of it. He'd want to be remembered for his beautiful, carpet like lawn that he took meticulous, year-round care of (best in the neighborhood!), and for the killer clam chowder and corn pancakes he made, and for his fanatic love of the Red Sox, the Patriots, and the movies Braveheart and RocknRolla. He'd want to be remembered as being part of a fun, extended family having great times over the years in Bay Springs, and for how he made everyone laugh, commanding center stage any chance he could. Ted was devastated when his father, Fred, died in 2000, and has mourned the passing of many dear aunts and uncles, and both sets of grandparents. He always felt he received an incredible gift from his parents at birth when they named him after a war veteran uncle who was awarded a posthumous Purple Heart.

Ted leaves behind his mourning, loving wife, Valarie and their two broken-hearted daughters, Raina, and Veronika. He is survived by his grieving mother, Arlene Bedard, of Somers, whose help over his last, difficult month is gratefully acknowledged. His siblings are also feeling his loss and will miss their dear brother terribly, his sisters, Nancy Bedard of East Windsor, and Lori Usher of Enfield, and his brother, Kenneth Bedard and Ken's wife, Laurie, of Enfield. Ted is also survived by nieces and nephews who will miss their Uncle Ted's wisecracks, Samantha, Matthew, and Adam Usher, and Marissa, Sydney, and Shelby Bedard, all of Enfield. Many loving cousins, aunts, and uncles will miss Ted's lively presence at future family gatherings.

Ted's immediate family will opt out of services, and instead hold a private remembrance for Ted at their convenience.

Condolences to his family may be left at

https://www.abbeycremation.com/post/edward-j-bedard-1959-2021

Friends and extended family are invited to join Ted's brother and sisters as they host a Sibling Celebration for him on Oct. 16, from noon to 4 p.m., at Ken's Pizza Palace Restaurant/Jimmy's Pub, at 524 Enfield St., Enfield, CT 06082.