Bedford Native Retires After 29 Years with the Town

William G. Jordan, a longtime custodian for the Town of Bedford, has spent much of his life here, and he doesn’t plan to say goodbye when retirement kicks in later this month.

The Dutchess County resident, who most folks know by his middle name, Gary, will continue to run Jordan’s Floor Waxing Service, as he’s done on the side for years. His father John started the business. John still lives in town, and he turned 94 last week.

“My family moved to Bedford Hills in 1955, we moved there when I was 4 and a half years old, and I moved out of Bedford Hills when I got married to my wife in 1979,” the 61-year-old said.

Five years later, at the age of 32, he started working for the town. Retiring because it feels like the right time, Gary says his memories are pleasant, especially the ones from the early days. Lawrence E. Dwyer, Jr., who served as supervisor from 1984 to 1993, hired him.

“It was like a close-knit family,” he said. “All the women looked after me as if I was their own.”

The folks working at the town now are sad to see him go. Personnel irector Joan Gallagher thanked him for the dedication that lasted nearly three decades.

“We are very grateful for his service and wish him well in his retirement,” Supervisor Lee V.A. Roberts said.

For Gary, retirement will mean keeping busy with his side business—which draws clients from Bedford, Chappaqua, North Salem, Pound Ridge and South Salem—and some relaxation. He plans to spend more time with his grandson, whose 5th birthday is approaching, and concentrate on his golf game. He loves the sport and visits a country club by his home often, where he helps other improve their skills, too.

“People think I’m good, so they ask me to give them lessons,” he said with a laugh.