John David Bardsley Jr.

John David Bardsley, Jr., familiarly known as Dave, of Port St. Lucie Florida, passed away on March 29th, 2026. Dave was born on October 3, 1950, in Bridgeport, CT, residing for a brief period in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, until his family moved to Killingly, CT, where Dave spent his formative years including graduating from Killingly High School, where he achieved a Varsity Letter in football.

Dave’s collegiate years were spent at Shepherdstown (College) University where he earned a bachelor’s degree before attending graduate school in communication at UMASS – Amherst. Following his UMASS experience Dave returned to Northeast, CT where he resided in Canterbury CT, worked as a Director of Marketing, while also achieved a black belt in Tang Soo Do (Korean Karate System), and became the founder of a Tang Soo Do school in Clinton, CT.

Dave later moved to the Treasure Coast of Florida as an independent business owner, making his residences in Fort Pierce/Port St Lucie. As an avid tennis player Dave shared his passion and teachings with others as the coach of John Carroll High School, where his teams (both Boys & Girls) won several divisional championships. Dave’s coaching experience, at John Carroll, coupled with the sale of his business, provided the path to become a full- time faculty member in the English Department. Dave later accepted the position as the Chairperson of Centennial High School, teaching English, Speech, and coaching boys and girls bowling to championship level. He retired in 2016. David obtained his Open Water PADI certification to join his wife, a certified PADI Rescue Diver, to enjoy many beautiful Caribbean Islands and beaches after retirement.

Dave is survived by his wife Patricia Bardsley of Port St. Lucie, Fla., her son, Keith Vogelsong (Frances) of Brooklyn, NY and a granddaughter, his brother Corey Bardsley of Brooklyn, CT, his brother Steven Bardsley of Stamford CT, and his three nieces, grandnieces & grandnephews. David’s sister Diane Bardsley predeceased him.

Just a very private farewell will be scheduled.