Obituary
Branchport- Vincent Dean Bedient passed away December 25, 2023.
A celebration of Vince’s life will be held on Sunday, July 28, 2024 from 2 – 4 p.m. at the Modeste Bedient Library in Branchport.
Memorial Contributions can be made to the The Humane Society of Yates County, PO Box 12, Penn Yan, NY 14527.
Born July 24, 1929 to Ella Morrow Bedient and Vincent G. Bedient in Schuyler County, NY, he was the eldest of 7 children. Vince graduated from school in Watkins Glen, then worked for Syracuse Supply (Caterpillar dealer) as a mechanic, for the Town of Potter Highway department, and in the family logging, farming and sawmill businesses.
Vincent married Modeste Marie Holley in Pultney in 1952, and soon after, he became a dairy farmer on Payne Road in Benton, NY. Vince and Modeste had 3 children, Susan (Rusty Perry) Pinckney, James (Kim) Bedient, and Diana (David) Box.
Vince had 7 grandchildren: Eric (Lisa) Pinckney, Christy (Jeff) Dann, Amy Bedient, Holly (Frank Fitzwater) Bedient, Tony Box, Lindsay Box, Alex Box, and 6 great-grandchildren: Brendan, Kaley and Nathan Pinckney, Ryan and Rachel Dann, and Brylee Fitzwater.
Vince was a vineyardist for over 50 years on Stever Hill near Branchport, NY. He was a conservationist and loved nature. He was President of the NY State Wine Grape Growers and a founding member of Winegrape Growers of America. He was a lifetime member of both the Branchport Rod & Gun Club and the Branchport Fire Department where he also served as Fire Commissioner. Vince served on the Board of Directors for the Penn Yan School, and Soldiers & Sailors Hospital.
Vince purchased an abandoned parcel and buildings, and later contributed the land to build a new entrance into Branchport. The parcel includes a War Memorial, Vince’s Playground, and Modeste Bedient library, which he built in memory of ‘his Bride’.
Vince was blessed with many friends, and many would agree that he “lived large”. He and Modeste moved from their house in Guyanoga Valley to their lake house in the early 80’s to be closer to his farm and Keuka Lake which he loved. He entertained many friends with cruises on his boat, the Mighty Mo, where he would laugh and say, “a round-trip to Lakeside would take 5 gallons of wine, and 3 gallons of gas”.
Kindness is an endless virtue.
Friendship is a gift.
And by planting seeds of goodness, Vince,
You gave this world a lift.
It truly is a wonderful life.