It is with heavy heart that I notify you on the passing of
Robert Bedell, Sr., member of Detachment 696.
Born Robert Bedell Sr. on May 14, 1922 – Medford, Massachusetts. He was an American of true "Yankee heritage" as the Bedell Family came to Newbury, MA sometime prior to 1675. Robert is a direct descendent of Major General Timothy Bedell who fought with Washington and Lafayette during the American Revolution, General Moody Bedell who commanded the 11th Regt. U.S. Infantry, war of 1812, General John Bedell who fought in the Civil War, Capt. Henry Edison Bedell who fought in the Civil War and was wounded at Harpers Ferry and lost his leg and was nursed back to health by a Confederate Woman who would have been shot for treason by the Confederacy if discovered.
He and his twin brother Richard enlisted in the United States Marine Corps on July 17, 1942 at the age of 21 years old.
He was a member of the 4th Marine Division and participated in action against the Japanese at Kwajalein, Saipan and was wounded in action on June 18, 1944 on Saipan. He fought in the battle of Iwo Jima from Feb. 19, 1945 to March 2, 1945.
He was awarded the Certificate of Satisfactory Service, The Purple Heart Medal, and the Presidential Unit Citation with one Star for his efforts in WWII.
He was Honorably discharged from the USMC on November 15, 1945.
After WWII he came home to Massachusetts and married Helen Ruggiero on October 6, 1946.
He and Helen moved to Los Angeles, CA in 1948 and after Helen had a miscarriage in early 1947, they had their first son, Robert on June 18, 1949. On October 12. 1952, Helen gave birth to twin boys, Donald and Douglas Bedell.
He went to work for the Lincoln Mercury Division of Ford Motor Company in 1948 and retired from Ford in 1981 after 33 years.
He passed away on April 10, 2003 due to complications from a stroke suffered on April 2, 2004.
Services are pending. Notification will be sent ASAP.
Condolences can be sent to: Robert Bedell, Jr.
1104 Ginger Corona, CA 92819Final Muster
