Obituary for
Russell John Bedwell
VIRGINIA BEACH-Russell John Bedwell, 56, peacefully passed away at home, May 9, 2016. He was born on February 16, 1960 in Brooklyn, New York to Alice Shoemaker Bedwell and Nicholas Grillasca. After spending his adventurous youth in Brooklyn he decided to honorably serve his country as an Army Ranger. His world travels landed him in Virginia Beach, where he became the “Hotdog King” of Hampton Roads. While serving up his famous Sabrett dogs with chili, sauerkraut, mustard, and onions, he simultaneously turned strangers into friends. One of these strangers would soon become his beloved wife.
Besides his parents, Russell is survived by his wife, Brenda Bedwell; children, Josh Roenker, Jill Roenker & her husband, Dan Bowers, Jarred Roenker & his wife, Meagan, Jeff Roenker & his wife, Echo; grandchildren, Kai, Kenna, Lillian, Gwendolyn, Violet and Hazel; sister, Dona Kenney & her husband, Ricky; step-mother, Vivian Grillasca; step-brother, Christopher Grillasca; step-sister, Denise Morrison; his precious doggies, Princess Jasmine and Lucky Rose; in-laws, Mike and Ginny Niedzwiedz; sister-in-laws, Cheryl Valentine & her husband, Steve and Lynn Roenker & her husband, Steve and numerous other loving family and friends.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 14, 2016 at 10 a.m. at Graham Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1112 Kempsville Road, Chesapeake, Virginia, 23320. He will be laid to rest at Albert G. Horton, Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery, Suffolk. The family will receive friends following the service at the funeral home’s reception center for a time of fellowship. During Russell's battle with leukemia, he gained precious years due to the generous people who donated blood and platelets. In honor of Russell, please consider donating blood or platelets, or making a charitable contribution to the American Red Cross. Please visit his Book of Memories at www.grahamfuneralhome.com where you may view the service if unable to attend or leave a note to the family.