Ryan Shea Bedard

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Ryan Shea Bedard, aged 33, who left us after a courageous battle with a rare cancer on May 21, 2025. Born on October 24, 1991, Ryan was the cherished son of Todd Bedard and Julia Thompson, the devoted brother of Corey Bedard (Isabelle Bedard) and Chantal Bedard (Julian Bernard) and the loving husband of Victoria Jeffrey.

Ryan's love for his family was the cornerstone of his life. He shared a deep bond with his parents and siblings, always offering support and love. Ryan's unwavering devotion to his family was evident in every aspect of his life, and his love for them will continue to inspire and comfort those who remain. His wife was his confidant and partner, and together they built a life filled with joy and laughter. Ryan's friends were his extended family, and he cherished every moment spent with them. At home, he found comfort in the company of his beloved cat, Thomas, whose presence brought him peace and companionship.

Known affectionately as "everyone's best friend," Ryan had a unique ability to make others feel valued and understood. His loyalty was unmatched; once you were his friend, you had a steadfast ally for life. Ryan's kindness and generosity left an undeniable mark on all who knew him.

At Stanstead College, where Ryan attended high school, he was one of the most decorated student-athletes his school has ever seen. His athletic prowess was matched only by his dedication and sportsmanship. Whether on the ice or the field, Ryan's commitment to excellence inspired his teammates and earned him numerous accolades. His legacy as a student-athlete continues to inspire those who knew him.

During his years at Fitchburg State University, Ryan laid the foundation for his future. Graduating with a degree in Business, it was here that he formed lifelong friendships and where he decided to establish roots. The connections he made during this time were integral to his personal and professional growth, and he often spoke fondly of his university experiences and the friendships that he made there.

Ryan's professional journey led him to The DAVIS Companies, where he worked as an IT recruiter. In this role, he was known for his dedication, integrity, and ability to connect top talent with the right opportunities. His colleagues admired his work ethic and the genuine care he showed for both clients and candidates. Ryan's time at DAVIS was a testament to his commitment to excellence and his passion for helping others succeed.

It would be impossible to speak about Ryan's life without talking about his greatest passion, Hockey. Ryan was arguably one of the best hockey players to ever come out of the North East Kingdom of Vermont. His hockey career led him on quite a journey, from playing for the Border minor hockey league as a child, to the Stanstead College Spartans in High School, to stints in the USHL, CCHL, ECHL, and finally the Fitchburg State Falcons for University. Ryan's love for hockey was undeniable, but it was more than just a sport to him; it was a community, a family. Through countless games, practices, and team events, he forged deep bonds with teammates that lasted a lifetime. These friendships were built on trust, shared experiences, and a mutual love for the game. Ryan's ability to connect with others, both on and off the ice, made him a beloved figure in the hockey community.

Other hobbies of Ryan's included spending time with his wife and family, camp fires, fishing trips with the boys, and of course, making everyone laugh; he was such a comedian. He had a unique ability to capture the attention from everyone in the room. A lover of music, Ryan found joy in karaoke, where he would sing his heart out, bringing smiles to all who listened. His performances were more than just songs; they were expressions of his vibrant spirit and zest for life.

In his final days, Ryan continued to inspire with his strength and grace. He faced his illness with courage, never allowing it to define him. His legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched and the love he gave so freely.

We extend our deepest gratitude to the exceptional staff at Brigham and Woman's Hospital for their unwavering dedication and compassionate care. Their expertise, kindness, and support provided Ryan with comfort and strength during his journey. We are profoundly thankful for the medical team who stood by him, offering not just treatment, but also a sense of dignity and hope.

Ryan is survived by his parents, siblings, wife and friends. The funeral service will be held for immediate family and close friends at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Fitchburg, MA, on June 20th at 12:00 PM. This will be followed by a Celebration of Life at The Oak Hill Country Club at 1:00 PM June 20th, a place dear to Ryan, where all who loved him are invited to share memories and celebrate his life.

Oak Hill Country Club
840 Oak Hill Rd,
Fitchburg, MA
01420

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Sarcoma Alliance or the Sarcoma Foundation of America, organizations that support sarcoma patients and research, reflecting Ryan's courageous battle with the disease and his wish to help others facing similar challenges. Contributions and support details can be found at sarcomaalliance.org and curesarcoma.org, respectively.