Convenience Channel Pioneer William Bedortha Passes Away

HORSESHOE BAY, Texas — William Bedortha, founder of Convenience Marketing Network, passed away on April 11. He was 76.

Originally from Weirton W. Va., he also made his home in Cleveland, Syracuse N.Y., and settled in Austin, Texas, and Horseshoe Bay for the past 27 years.

Bedortha attended the former Linsly Military Institute in Wheeling, W. Va., and John Carroll University in University Heights, Ohio. His extensive resume included bar owner, funeral home employee and salesman for various national companies before buying his first company.

His entrepreneurial drive led him to Austin, where he and his son founded Convenience Marketing Network. The sales and marketing company grew into a nationally recognized powerhouse with more than 100 employees. Advantage Sales & Marketing acquired the company in 1999.

Bedortha is survived by his wife of 54 years, Mary Kay, and his five children and their spouses, Bill Bedortha (Kate), Jay Bedortha (Ann), Molly Copa (Tom), Katie Robertson (James) and Christian Bedortha (Wendy), and 19 grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

To read his complete obituary, click here.