Robert Getsmer "Bob" Biddle III

1937 - 2025

Robert Getsmer Biddle lll, age 87, passed away in Newark, DE on May 22, 2025. He was born in North East, MD in 1937 to the late Robert Getsmer Biddle Jr and Mary (Coyle) Biddle, moving to Port Herman, Chesapeake City, MD in 1941 where he grew up on the Elk River.

Bob graduated high school in Chesapeake City in 1955, attended University of Delaware, earning his degree in Electrical Engineering, and worked for PECO for 31 years in Philadelphia, Delaware County, PA and Cecil County, MD. He served in the Delaware National Guard and married his dear wife Jeanette with whom he raised 4 children in Media, PA. He and his family enjoyed weekends in Chesapeake City, swimming, crabbing, fishing and hunting. He was a member of Ducks Unlimited, dedicated to the conservation of wetlands and associated habitats of waterfowl and other wildlife.

Bob enjoyed fishing and hunting, but his greatest passion was carving decoys. He began carving at age 13, continuing into adulthood, and retired at age 53 to spend more time carving, teaching in his home studio, and exhibiting in decoy shows throughout the East Coast. He was featured in decoy publications and at the Havre De Grace Decoy Museum, and was recognized for both his talent and his friendly, soft-spoken manner. In addition, he painted in watercolor, built furniture and made hand-turned Windsor chairs.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Jeanette Biddle, his children Jenny McGee (Mark), R. Kenneth Biddle (Malinda), John Biddle (Azinet), and Kelly Burton (Gary), his 8 grandchildren, and his sisters Nan Furness and Marianne Cahill. In addition to his late parents, Bob was preceded in death by his sister Dorothy Veasey and his brother Patrick Biddle.

Family and friends are invited to his memorial mass at 12pm on Friday, June 6, 2025, at Holy Family Church (15 Gender Road, Newark, DE) with visitation beginning at 11:00am. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Holy Family Catholic Church or Ducks Unlimited, sent in care of R.T. Foard & Jones, Inc. at 122 West Main Street, Newark, DE 19711.