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Obituary : Americo Anthony "Ben" Bedini |
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Americo Anthony "Ben" Bedini, 87, died Sunday morning, December 28, 2008 at home with his family.
Ben was born in Ridgefield, Connecticut on December 16, 1921 to Alexander and Maria Bedini. He graduated from Springfield College (MA) in 1943 and earned a master's degree from the University of Bridgeport (CT). He served in the U.S. Army from 1943-1946.
After leaving the service, he taught and coached at Housatanic Valley Regional High School in Falls Village, CT and then at Rye High School, Rye, NY. He ultimately became Head Football Coach at Iona College in New Rochelle, NY. At Regional, his football record was 26 wins, one loss; at Rye 69 wins, five losses with five undefeated seasons and six league championships. At Iona, where he initiated the football program, his record was 21 wins, five losses, including the National Club Football Championship in 1966. He also was a full professor of physical education and Director of Athletics at Rockland Community College, a division of the State University of NY.
From there, he went on to work for the Cleveland Browns and the Kansas City Chiefs. One of his greatest joys was serving as a volunteer consultant to the NCSU football program during the tenures of Dick Sheridan, Mike O'Cain, and Chuck Amato. He was inducted into the Iona College Hall of Fame, The Westchester County Hall of Fame, and was a NY Daily News Coach of the Year.
He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Peggy Wood Bedini; son, Anthony and daughter-in-law Betsy; daughter, Lynne Lewis and son-in- law, Carlton; five grandchildren, Corey, Cameron, Carter and Courtney Lewis and Sarah Bedini. He is also survived by Ruth Wood, mother-in-law, of Raleigh and Lydia Voorhees; sister, of Maitland, FL.
A Memorial service celebrating his life will be held on Saturday, January 3, 2009 at Edenton Street United Methodist Church, 228 W. Edenton St., at 11:00 a.m with visitation prior to the service at 10:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations to Hospice of Wake County, 1300 St. Mary's St., Raleigh, NC 27605, the Sidney Shoifet Scholarship, HousatonicValley Regional High School, Falls Village, CT 06031 or to the charity of your choice.
Arrangements made by the Cremation Society of the Carolinas. Online condolences at www.cremnc.com
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