Jon William David Bedford, 66, of Middletown, NY (formerly of Bridgeport, CT) passed away on March 25, 2021 after a brave but brief battle with cancer.

Jon was born April 2, 1954 to Betty May (Conley) and Archie Francis Bedford, Jr. in Bridgeport, Ct. The New England home he grew up in was full of love, music, and a great deal of shenanigans; much of which Jon is remembered to have orchestrated. Among his first friends were his siblings: Elizabeth “Dolly” Lopato, Archie “Buddy” Bedford III, Brian Bedford, and James Bedford.

Jon had many loves in his life, but it was his love of music that was woven through it all. He was a talented musician and prolific songwriter. His musings captured the great joys that he felt blessed to have experienced.  These gifts included many observations about the world around him; as well as his 40 year friendship with Rosary Carlino Cantor, his former wife. Jon did not assign much value to material things. Rather, his greatest love was for his family. He is survived by his four children: Anthony Langer, Michael Langer, Michelle Hasbrouck and Lynnette Bedford.  He had many nieces and nephews, each of whom were his favorite.  And, he considered himself lucky to have three grandsons: Matthew, Lance, and Gio as well as four granddaughters: Annika, Mia, Marissa, and Bella. He loved family gatherings, especially when there was good food involved.  The joke is that he would always eat a little too much and stay a little too long.

Jon worked for over 20 years in the taxicab industry in Middletown, NY. He loved this job because he was a people person. He genuinely considered his customers and his coworkers to be his friends. He served as a taxi owner operator and dispatcher. He enjoyed sharing his observations from his time in the taxi business with his friends and family. He loved to laugh and make others laugh.

Jon had many interests and pastimes. Primarily, he loved to travel and preferred to camp out whenever possible.  He was a loyal patron of the local library system. He loved to explore each library and learn what set it apart from the others. He was a curious person who loved to learn. He was also an accomplished chess player. Lastly, Jon loved sports, especially New York baseball.

A celebration to honor Jon will be held at a later date, yet to be determined. In lieu of flowers, interested persons may make donations to the Ramapo Catskill Library System (RCLS), 619 Route 17M, Middletown, NY 10940 or Hospice of Orange & Sullivan Counties, Inc., 800 Stony Brook Court, Newburgh, NY 12550.