Wayne "Poppie" E. Bedore, Sr, 80, died peacefully on June 26, surrounded by his family in Danbury Hospital after a courageous battle with cancer.www.hullfuneralservice.com.

Mr Bedore was born on July 19, 1935, in Kingston, N.Y., and was the cherished only child of the late Dorothy (Navins) and Oscar William Bedore. He grew up in Elmsford, N.Y., and raised his family in White Plains until they moved to Bethel in 1978.

The last year of his life was spent with his daughter Janine, son-in-law David, and their family in Newtown. Mr Bedore loved living with his family and became a nucleus of the house with all of his humor. If someone needed a report of what was going on or where someone was in the house, all they had to do was ask him as he kept tabs on everyone and everything. He was a true gentleman and was always concerned about the well-being of those around him. His demeanor was quiet, caring, and humorous, which made those around him become attached. He was everyone's "Poppie."

His children Janine Bedore Bonadio and her husband David of Newtown; Daniel Bedore and his wife Paula of Bethel; Bobby Bedore and his wife Vickie of Glenburn, Maine; Wayne E. Bedore, Jr, and his wife Susan of Yorktown Heights, N.Y.; 11 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren survive him.

His wife of 45 years, Eleanor Joan (Zeh) Bedore, predeceased him.

Mr Bedore attended White Plains High School, Class of 1953, and upon graduation entered the electrical trade through local union IBEW 501. His first project was the original Tappan Zee Bridge with Whiffen Electrical Company along with his father, Oscar, who was a foreman on the New York side of the bridge. He learned high voltage splicing during his tenure and was known for his meticulous craftsmanship.

In Mr Bedore's younger years, he was a caddy at the Knollwood Country Club in Elmsford, and received 25 cents per bag (one of his favorite stories to tell). He loved to spend time fishing with his grandchildren, woodworking, and had a tremendous love for animals.

The family would like to acknowledge and thank the many doctors and nurses at Danbury Hospital's 10th and 11th floors for their compassion and support to Mr Bedore throughout his battle with cancer. Special thanks to Dr Franklin and his staff for going above and beyond. Also, the Palliative Care Team and Bethel Visiting Nurses.

The family will receive friends at the Bethel Funeral Home, 215 Greenwood Avenue, Bethel, on Friday, July 8, from 5 to 8 pm.

A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at St Rose of Lima Church, 46 Church Hill Road in Newtown, 10 am on Saturday, July 9. Interment will follow at St Rose of Lima Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to Danbury Hospital Palliative Care Program. Donations should be made payable to Danbury and New Milford Hospital Foundation and sent to:Danbury and New Milford Hospital Foundation, 24 Hospital Avenue, Danbury CT 06810

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