Robert E. Bedard

Robert E. Bedard, of East Hartford, died peacefully at his home Friday (October 4, 2013). Born in Lawrence, MA on October 13, 1925, he was the son of French Canadian immigrants Arthur and Alphonsine (Boucher) Bedard. He enlisted at the age of 17 in the United States Navy, where he served in World War II aboard the USS Newberry at the battle of Iwo Jima. He also served aboard the destroyer USS Luce. After the war, he moved to Hartford and soon joined the US Postal Service, where he served for 37 years as a letter carrier until his retirement in 1987. He married Patricia (Lussier) Bedard in 1956. His family lived in Hartford's south end, before moving to East Hartford in 1973. Bob's life centered around his family. He is survived by his children, Therese Roesch of South Glastonbury, Mary Bedard of Manchester, Arthur Bedard of Canton, and Philip Bedard and his wife Diane of Hopedale, MA. He has two surviving siblings, Alice Bernier of West Hartford and Raymond Bedard of East Hartford. His five grandchildren are Chuck Roesch, Tim Roesch, Patrick Bedard, Matthew Bedard and Jeanne Bedard. Robert was predeceased by his wife Patricia (Lussier) Bedard (1988), his three brothers; Paul, Philip, and Armand and one sister; Rose. Bob enjoyed many years camping at Gardner Lake in Salem, CT, with his family and close friends Ben Burinskas and Romeo Berube, where they enjoyed swimming, fishing and late night pinochle card games. Bob was an avid golfer, enjoying many rounds with his friends at the Goodwin Park course in Hartford. His family extends gratitude for the kindness and care given to Bob in his final months by Elyse Rybczynski, Suzanne Kirkpatrick and Lucille Foley.

The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, October 9 at the D'Esopo East Hartford Memorial Chapel, 30 Carter Street, East Hartford. Burial with military honors will follow in Hillside Cemetery, East Hartford. Family and friends may visit the chapel on Tuesday from 4-7 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the Iwo Jima Survivors Association, 35 Hemlock Road, Branford, CT 06405 or to the Patriot Guard Riders of Connecticut, c/o Gregg Barrett, 16 Talcott Range, East Granby, CT 06026. For online expressions of sympathy please visit: