Joseph "Coach" Beidler

Coach Beidler coached me as a Freshman at Trinity in the fall of 1964. I was thinking/ wondering about him when I visited campus for Don Miller's celebration this Fall.l will always remember his enthusiasm, his positivism, his inviting me to dinner to his house one day when most of the campus had cleared out, and checking in with me as to how life in general was going wheneverI ran into him after Freshman year...a "Mr. Chips" sort of guy.

Coach Beidler had a profound impact on my life. He looked at a high school freshman going out for football and asked, What position do you play? I responded, I don't know positions, Sir. So he looks at me and says You're an offensive linemen, come with me. He was demanding and caring, intense and friendly, a teacher and always even to this day and always - my coach.

I believe he had a large role in me being recruited to Trinity College. He was there during my first Blue-Gold Scrimmage at the College. Coaching me, Justin, they are bigger and stronger here, you need to sell-out on every block. He put his reputation on the line for me. Four years later me saw me receive the McCook Award. It was really his award for preparing me in high school; he put me in that position.

I hope he knew what an impact he had on my life, I told him that once and would always tell my children about what a great man he was and what he did for a freshman football player.

rest in peace in coach. thank you for your service to this country.

I remember Coach Beidler was well liked and respected by all the players at Conard, without exception.

My sincere condolences to his family.

Paul Halladay ( Conard HS Class of 1975 )

Aloha and condolences to the Beidler Ohana. One of the best coaches ever! RIP coach.

RIP Coach and thank you for being a very important part of our lives

James Maloney
Class of 1976

Bob and Family, I was very saddened by the news of your father's passing. I have the fondest memories of being coached and mentored by him at Conard. What an outstanding person he was, and what a wonderful life he lived! God Bless You All.


PS I often think about how much golf we played at Rockledge and how much fun we had. Wish I were back there. Peter Liljedahl

Bob and Family, I was very saddened by the news of your father's passing. I have the fondest memories of being coached and mentored by him at Conard. What an outstanding person he was, and what a wonderful life he lived! God Bless You All.


PS I often think about how much golf we played at Rockledge and how much fun we had. Wish I were back there. Peter Liljedahl

It seems like it was just yesterday when I was a senior at Bulkeley High School, and met and talked with Coach Beidler about Linfield College, in Oregon. I cannot begin to express how grateful I am that he made the effort to guide me at a time in my life when I had little or no direction. Over the years, I have told scores of people that Coach Beidler was the one who was responsible for changing my life. I have often thought that, if it weren't for him, I would not have attended Linfield, and have had the opportunity to play for an incredible football program. I would not have graduated and had a career in education, a job I truly loved and cherished for 32 years. And most important, I would have not met my incredible wife of 46 years, Cathy. Coach Beidler is responsible for so much that has happened in my life, and the lives of so many other individuals.

My sincere condolences go to the Beidler family for their loss. Coach was a wonderful man who will be missed.

Bob Sullivan
Bulkeley High School Class of 1966

My condolences to the family. Joe was a wonderful colleague who was always so friendly. I am sure he will be missed by all.

Greetings:
I was Captain of his 1960 Nutmeg Bowl team played in New Britain, which ended in a 8-8 tie. He helped me and several other Hartford Area student athletes get a great start in life at Linfield College in Oregon. This was the only chance for college for most of us. He pioneered the "Storied Hartford Connection" at Linfield as a pipeline for athletes who could have been left behind. The Hartford student athletes prospered at Linfield and in their life endeavors because he went above and beyond the call of duty to help us. We are all eternally grateful for his efforts.

He was a great coach but he was an even better man. He will be missed by all those he helped.
Pete Dengenis

Nancee, so sorry to see of you dad's passing. Prayers are with you.

We've lost a truly fine man who was a gentleman. I took movies of every football game at Weaver from '61 to '65 when I graduated. As a result, I got to know Coach quite well...he was one in a million. My deepest sympathy to all of his family.

Harry Cion

Coach Beidler,

Rest in Peace. You made such a positive impact on young men such as myself.

Thank you and God bless!

Respectfully,

John K Thompson
Conard Class of 79