In Loving Memory of Todd Michael Bedinotti

August 9, 1966 – March 19, 2025

Todd Michael Bedinotti of Tucson, AZ passed away at his home on March 19, 2025.

He was born in Cohoes, NY to the late Louis Bedinotti and Doris Navojosky. Todd grew up in Cohoes with a river for a backyard; he loved to play outside and excelled at volleyball and water-skiing. In 1988, he earned his bachelor's degree in physics and computer science from Siena College in NY, launching his career with MapInfo as a systems analyst. In 1994, his job took him to England—allowing him the chance to explore Europe and build a library of travel stories he’d fondly revisit for years.

Todd eventually settled in Tucson, co-founding The Solutions Group and building a successful business. He poured love and care into transforming his home into a uniquely beautiful space, filling it with life, color and art. Travel remained a passion, with memorable adventures to Africa and Egypt alongside his then-partner, Yvonne.

In 2003, Todd married his former wife, Christy, and together they adopted their beloved adventure dog, Neza, who accompanied them hiking, camping, and practically everywhere else. That same year, Todd attended his first Burning Man festival and found a spiritual home in its community of radical self-expression, artistic freedom, and fire performance. Returning inspired, he taught himself to spin and breathe fire, eventually founding Elemental Artistry, a performance group that lit up both public events and many legendary backyard barbecues.

Todd’s life had many chapters. In 2006, he joined Pima County’s Air Quality department. He eventually moved to the northwest, where he became passionately immersed in swimming, biking, and running. He completed triathlons, including a half Ironman and century bike rides. Triathlon, especially cycling, became not just a sport for Todd, but a form of survival—an outlet for peace and freedom. Todd finished his last half Ironman in October 2023.

He had endless curiosity, interests and talents. A gifted photographer, gardener, chef, decorator, bird watcher, artist and seamster (yes, he could sew a pair of furry pants and spin fire). He dove deeply into everything he loved—whether it was ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics, obscure religious texts, or crafting an excellent morning latte (a self-proclaimed coffee geek, he was forever in pursuit of the perfect crema). His mornings often began early in the hot tub: coffee in hand, birds chirping at the feeders he maintained with near-religious devotion, his buddy Neza at his side.

Music of all genres, especially EDM, filled his space. So did movies and cartoons—he could get lost in South Park or cheesy Adult Swim reruns. Todd loved to entertain and he was a gracious host with his beautiful home and cooking skills. He was fiercely kind and devoted to his friends and would do anything for those in his circle. Todd loved to learn, to laugh, to create. He was magnetic, funny, kind, and endlessly talented. There were no limits to what he could make or imagine, and no end to the lengths he was willing to go for a friend.

Todd's story also included shadows. Past mistakes led to the loss of his freedom. Yet, while incarcerated, he did what many cannot: he faced his mistakes and committed himself to deep healing and personal growth. He embraced Buddhism, led yoga practices, and quietly became a symbol of patience and peace. Running became a lifeline for him. He tutored science and math GED students as part of a team dubbed “the dream team” of educators, lifting others as he rebuilt himself. He formed meaningful bonds with those who saw the goodness in him, and he was a light in a place that was often dark, making creative meals, sharing his artwork, and forming powerful friendships.

His letters and writings from that time showed a man who had grown, grieved, and learned to forgive—both others and himself. He deeply wished for forgiveness from those he hurt.

Reentry into the outside world was difficult. Todd was released at the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic, which added to his struggles with isolation, loneliness and overcoming the daily things so many of us take for granted. He also experienced significant health challenges. Yet he showed resilience in continuing to bike and swim, working as a claims adjuster at Geico, and purchasing his home. Many friends, unaware of his struggles, had lost touch. Todd longed for connection. The tragedy is not just in his death—but in the silence that surrounded it.

Todd would likely want his story to serve as a reminder: people are more than their worst choices. Redemption is real. And support, forgiveness, and love are life-saving acts we owe to each other, especially to those trying to start over.

Todd was pre-deceased by his parents Louis and Doris, and half-brother Russ Bedinotti. He is survived by his half-siblings Louis (Lea) Bedinotti and Sandra (Paul) Gansle, sister-in-law Ingrid Bedinotti, cousin Ingrid (Michael) Ungerland and family, former wife Christy Holliger and a small but fiercely loyal circle of friends and chosen family.

He also leaves behind two of the goodest dogs, and his beloved Ridley Noah bicycle— a trusted companion that provided true joy and freedom when he most needed it. Most importantly, Todd is survived by the lives he touched and changed. Many are better people because he believed in second chances.

A celebration of Todd’s life will be held at Christy’s home—11064 W Botteri Drive, Marana, AZ—on Sunday, June 15 at 12 p.m.

His ashes will be scattered along the Tucson Loop bike path, where Todd pedaled thousands of miles in pursuit of clarity, joy, and freedom.

If you are moved to do so, please consider a donation to one of the following organizations in Todd’s memory:

• BICAS: https://bicas.org
• Prison Fellowship: https://www.prisonfellowship.…

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