More than 100 members of the notorious Pagans Motorcycle Club gathered Saturday morning in Northampton to say goodbye to one of their own.
Ronald S. "Rocky" Bedics Jr. was a long-time member of the club, according to his obituary. He died Monday at St. Luke's University Health Network. No cause was given in his obituary. He was 54.
Bedics was also a member of the Pennsylvania Federation of Injured Workers, whose activities include raising money to help those who get hurt on the job.
A graduate of Whitehall High School, Bedics had worked in construction.
He leaves behind his father, Ronald S. Bedics Sr.; companion Barbara English; two daughters, Stephanie Buendia and Cassandra Bedics; sisters Tracy Stratz, Tammy Leadbetter, Terry Bedics and Tia Talianek; as well as nieces and nephews.
Schisler Funeral Home, 2119 Washington Ave., was scheduled to begin receiving family and friends at 9:30 a.m., ahead of services at noon.
The Pagans got their start in Maryland in 1959, according to a recent Philadelphia Inquirer article about the still-active group's run-ins with the law.
In a news release a year ago about a member of the Pagans being sentenced to 20 years in prison for his role in a prescription painkiller ring, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania called the club "an outlaw biker gang known for violence and drug dealing."
Condolences offered online for Bedics' family belie that image.
"To the Bedic family, I did not personally know Rocky but I know Stephanie and knowing her, I can only imagine how awesome he was. We send our deepest condolences and are praying for you all during this time," read one comment on the guestbook for Bedics' obituary.
"We send our heartfelt condolences to the family, extended family and friends at this most difficult time. May the God of all comfort assign peace to you and give you the strength to endure. Acts 24:15," read another.
"R.I.P my friend of over 45yr ride free thru the clouds," wrote a man from North Carolina.
Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @KurtBresswein. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.
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