Boylston – On May 15, 2021, Jeffrey Bruce Tedford, beloved Son, Brother, Husband, and Father, unexpectedly passed away at the age of 58.
Jeff was born on Dec. 8, 1962 in Columbus, Ga. to Bruce and Kay Tedford. He grew up in Northborough with his partner-in-crime and younger brother, Raymond Tedford. He attended Assabet Valley Regional High School where he met the love of his life and wife, Desiree, of which they shared 42 beautiful years together, 36 in marriage. He truly found home in 1998 when he moved to Boylston with his wife and two children, Katherine A. Tedford and Joshua R. Tedford.
Jeff loved his family and his dedication never veered. He was an amazing, loving father who would do anything for his children and would go to the ends of the earth to bring a smile to his wife’s face. His devotion was never questioned, whether he had to drive to New Jersey every week or fly out to Ohio for weeks at a time, Jeff never complained because he knew he was providing for those he loved. He was a hard-working and stoic man who was generous to a fault. He loved nothing more than going out of his way to help others, all the while never asking for anything for himself.
One of the many ways Jeff showed his love was through cooking. Whether it be a St. Patrick’s Day dinner for hundreds of people or an intimate meal shared with his wife, he put his heart into every meal he made. Jeff was happiest in life when he was surrounded by nature. Whether it be fishing in the deep sea or in the woods looking for deer, he found comfort in wildlife. He had a budding passion for photography that allowed him to share those private moments of joy with his closest friends and family.
Of all the things Jeff loved in life, he held few things closer to his heart than the relationship he had with his best friend, DJ. Whether it was their daily phone calls, unending cribbage rivalry, or practical jokes, their friendship knew no bounds and is eternal.
He is survived by his loving wife, Desiree (Robert) Tedford; his parents, Kay and Bruce Tedford; his brother, Raymond Tedford; and his children, Katherine Tedford and her fiancé Danielle and Joshua Tedford. He also leaves behind his granddaughter, Sophia, who he adored. He will be missed by his many cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family, friends, and coworkers. On his final journey, Jeff was welcomed into Heaven by his brother-in-law, Danny, along with Desiree’s parents, Charles and Irma.
The family will be having calling hours on Thursday, May 20, from 5-8 p.m., at Mercadante Funeral Home & Chapel, 370 Plantation St., Worcester. There will be a private service for family and friends on Friday, May 21.
His life will be carried on through his gift of donation with the New England Organ Donor Services. In lieu of flowers, kindly consider donating to New England Donor Services, Attn: Caitlyn Bernabucci, 60 First Ave., Waltham, MA 02451 and American Heart Association, PO Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284-0692.
