Jerrald Joseph Bedenk

Jerrald J. "Jerry" Bedenk passed away in New Smyrna Beach, Florida on February 6, 2026, in his 100th year. He was a proud WWII Navy veteran. Jerry was born on June 24, 1926, in Elmira, New York to William Frank Bedenk and Catherine Driscoll Bedenk. Growing up he would spend time with his grandparents on a farm in Ridgebury, Pennsylvania. At the age of 8 he joined his brother Bill and sister Margie on the family farm. Jerry was involved in many sports from an early age, football, baseball and wrestling. He was an avid golfer and he golfed into his 100th year! Jerry graduated from Southside High School in 1944 and enlisted in the Navy as a senior in high school, he was 17. Like so many men during the war, Jerry didn't attend graduation since he was already in basic training in Sampson Base, NY. on Seneca lake where he graduated from Quartermaster school. During the war Jerry was in the South Pacific on an LST ship and served as a quartermaster that entailed many duties beyond navigation and communication. After the war ended, he stayed in the Philippines working for CID (Criminal Investigation Unit). After leaving the Navy in 1946, he entered Cornell University as a physics major. His brother Bill was also at Cornell during this time. During college he lived in the Phi Sigma Kappa fraternity house. He discovered that physics wasn't going to be his calling and changed to a business focus and graduated with a BA in 1950. After graduation he joined his father who was the owner of Queen City Paper Company in Elmira, NY. Frank Bedenk and John Hare along with their sons Jerry and Vinnie ran the Paper Company. In later years Jerry was the sole owner.
In 1955 he married Beatrice Nolan from Elmira, and they moved to Forest Hills Drive. All of Bea and Jerry's four children were raised on Forest Hills Drive. Jerry also enjoyed traveling. He drove across the country many times and could remember small route numbers and locations. Traveling not only in the US but other countries as well. Jerry loved maps and always had a paper map when he traveled. You could always find a stack of books next to his favorite chair and that was a great pastime in addition to watching westerns. John Wayne was his favorite. Growing up in Elmira, he had a lifelong love of the Finger Lakes, especially Keuka, where he sailed, swam, and boated. Also spending time in the Adirondacks canoeing and camping in high school and college. He was always interested in learning something new, how to improve his golf game and tips to keep him healthy. He was still "counting his steps" up until the day he passed away.
Jerry met Carol Patten in 2002, and they enjoyed 24 wonderful years together. They lived in Naples, Fort Myers and New Smyrna Beach, Florida. They had many friends and were always very busy with golf, social clubs and just being with friends. Jerry and Carol were part of the Sugar Mill Country Club, and they enjoyed all the fun activities in that community. Jerry's favorite activities were swimming in his pool and playing golf. Jerry was loved by many who described him as amazing, intelligent and an inspiration to them. People loved sitting next to him and listening to his many stories.
Jerry cherished his family and friends. He was predeceased by his wife, Beatrice Nolan Bedenk, his parents Frank and Catherine, his brother Bill Bedenk (Lois Lutz Bedenk), his sister Margaret Johnson (Skip), brother in-laws Jim Nolan (Pat), and Joe Nolan (Lenore). He leaves behind his wife Carol Patten, daughter Ann (Russell Babcock), son Jerry, daughter Susan (Alan Gay) and Betsy (Mike Melito), grandchildren Rebecca and Joshua and several nieces and nephews.
There will be a Catholic Mass on April 24, 2026, at 10:30 am, Sacred Heart Church, 998 Fr. Donlan Dr., New Smyrna Beach, Fl 32168.
In lieu of flowers, consider donating St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, your local Veterans group or a charity of your choice.