Raymond R. Bedford

He was born Aug. 6, 1929, in Harpersfield, the son of the late Raymond and Gertrude (Meisner) Bedford.

Ray served his country honorably in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict from 1948-51 and was a Purple Heart Medal recipient along with five Bronze Stars and a Silver Star.

Ray married Geraldine Condon on May 9, 1959. She predeceased him on Aug. 28, 2005.

Ray worked for SUNY Oneonta as a plumber for 20 years until his retirement in 1985.

He lived in South Carolina for 19 years after retirement working as a handyman. Ray was very skilled in many of the building trades. He loved to build custom furniture. Raymond also built several homes in the Oneonta area.

He is survived by his two sons, Steve Bedford of Saratoga and Kirk Bedford and his wife, Michelle VanHorn-Bedford of Pindar's Corners. He is also survived by his stepdaughter, Debra Cooke of Norwich and grandchildren, Morgan Bedford, Charles Utter and Jessica and Justin Bedford. He is also survived by a very special friend and caretaker, Frances Solovitch of Oneonta.

A memorial service will be held in the spring along with burial and committal in Oneonta Plains Cemetery with military honors.