Obituary
Branchport- Vincent Dean Bedient passed away December 25, 2023.
A celebration of his life will be held in the summer of 2024 at the convenience of his family.
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.
Condolences
Samuel Heusler from Pulteney on Dec. 26, 2023
Vince will be missed by all the Branchport Rod & Gun members. He was a corner stone of the club for, many, many years contributing on numerous occasions with equipment, gravel and his smiling face....
God Rest Your Soul my friend.
Sarah Mcloud Gaylord from Atlanta NY on Dec. 27, 2023
Vince and Modesta were the sweetest people. They were always friendly and welcoming people. I am so sorry for the families loss but so blessed that my life path crossed theirs. Hugs and prayers 🙏🏻
Henry & Barbara Schnepf from Rochester, NY on Dec. 27, 2023
We were long-time friends of Mo & Vince. They were the best neighbors anyone could wish for. Mo has been gone a long time, but we have enjoyed Vince as a neighbor and friend. We are so sorry to lose you, Vince. Keuka Lake won't be the same without you. Our love and condolences to the Bedient family. Henry & Barbara
Ann Kinyoun from Bluff Point , NY on Jan. 1, 2024
We were always grateful to Vince and Jim for being such good stewards to our farm on Stever Hill.
Branchport and its residents will miss your friendship.
Fondly,
The Edwin (Jack) and Ethel Evans Family.