William Vogel (Bill) Bidwill

Phoenix - William Vogel (Bill) Bidwill passed away in Phoenix on October 2 at the age of 88.

Born on July 31, 1931 in Chicago, he is the son of Charles and Violet Bidwill. His father purchased the Chicago Cardinals of the NFL in 1932, starting a life-long association with the team for young Bill.

A two-sport athlete at Georgetown Prep outside of Washington, DC, Bidwill received the school's highest honor, the Insignis Medal, in 1990 and in 2017 was selected to the school's Athletic Hall of Fame.

After earning his undergraduate degree from Georgetown University in 1954, Bidwill proudly served in the United States Navy before taking on a full-time role with the team in 1960. That same year he married Nancy (nee Lavezzorio). The two were married for 56 years until her passing in 2016 and had five children: daughter Nicole and sons Bill Jr., Michael, Patrick and Timothy.

While well-known for his understated nature and a preference for staying out of the spotlight, "Mr. B" was recognized often for his contributions and accomplishments as Cardinals owner. In 2017, he was enshrined in the Arizona Sports Hall of Fame which honors those who have made significant contributions to the state's athletics community.

Bidwill has also been lauded for being at the forefront of diversity in hiring practices in the National Football League. This was evidenced by the hiring of the first African American female executive in NFL history (Adele Harris), the league's first African American contract negotiator (Bob Wallace) as well as its first African American head coach/GM tandem (Dennis Green and Rod Graves). In 2010 he was honored with the Paul "Tank" Younger Award from the Fritz Pollard Alliance, whose purpose is to promote diversity and equality of job opportunity in the NFL.

Also in 2010, Bidwill was inducted into the Sports Faith Hall of Fame in Lake Forest, IL. At its December 2010 commencement exercises, Northern Arizona University awarded Bidwill an honorary doctor of humane letters degree for "his contributions to the university, his community and his profession."

In addition to his five children, 10 grandchildren and one great-grandchild, Bidwill is survived by his brother Charles ("Stormy").

A funeral mass will be held at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, October 8 at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Phoenix (4715 N. Central Avenue).

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to St. Peter Indian Mission School (1500 N. St. Peter Road, Bapchule, AZ 85121).

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Arizona Republic from Oct. 4 to Oct. 6, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for William Bidwill

10 Entries

Isaac & Sandra Escobedo

October 8, 2019

Our sincere condolences to the Bidwill family, may God be with you all at this time of need. Rest in Paradise Bill you will be missed

Joe & Lucy Gutierrez

October 8, 2019

Our deepest condolences sent your way to Michael and Nicole and all the Bidwill family. May the light shine upon Mr. Bidwill. Our thoughts & prayers are with the family on this day as you lay Mr.Bidwill to rest and forever more.

Troy Escobedo

October 8, 2019

RIP Mr. B you will be missed and loved always.
Captain Cardinal

October 7, 2019

Please accept my heartfelt condolences for your loss. May your treasured memories of William always fill your heart with love and peace.

Jean

October 6, 2019

My Mom and I were walking to the Safeway one evening when we spotted Bill Bidwill crossing the parking lot. There he was in his suit and bow tie. We were end zone season ticket holders so we hurried down the sidewalk to go in. We caught up with Mr. B. in the produce aisle selecting peaches. My Mom quietly approached him and began chatting.

Are you the Cardinals owner? ...

I read that you ate a half a gallon of ice cream after every Cardinals win."

He replied Oh no two scoops I am watching my weight.

They chatted a bit more then as we were parting Mom said I hope you win! She was in awe. What impressed me the most this prominent NFL owner was so unassuming, humble and kind talking over peaches with my Mom a retired factory worker.

Safe journey Mr. B, you are a winner. This Sunday - Ice Cream two scoops In your honor.

October 5, 2019

My condolences are extended as you mourn the loss of your dear loved one. May you find comfort and strength to cope during this trying time. (Psalm 90:10)

October 5, 2019

Goodbye Sir thank you for bringing NFL to to Arizona and building and ADA compliant stadium

Posey & John Nash

October 5, 2019

Patrick,
We are saddened for you.

Reverend Maupin

October 4, 2019

Mr. Bidwill, our community will miss your presence but your legacy is strong and in capable hands.

To the Bidwill Family - keep the faith! Take comfort in the trail Mr. B blazed and the good works that lay ahead.

To the Cardinals organization - take pride! Pride in the records set, doors opened, and victories before you.

What a leader! The NFL is more diverse because of Bidwill.

There simply is not enough room to acknowledge the many ways he worked quietly and diligently to level society's playing fields.

He left our state more inclusive and vibrant than he found it.

Something we should ALL strive to do.

Praying for you all and saluting a life well lived.

With every good wish...

The Maupin Family
The Estate of Opal A. Ellis

Bob Ortiz

October 4, 2019

RIP Mr Bidwell. Your contributions to the community beyond football were amazing. Thank you for your service in the US Navy. Condolences to the entire Bidwell family

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