Robert Bidwell

1924 - 2025

Robert J. Bidwell, 100, of Hilton Head, joined his beloved wife Phyllis on Sunday, May 4, 2025, after listening to his favorite Mass from the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.

He was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota on June 17, 1924 to the late Edward and Estelle Bidwell. He graduated from Cathedral High School in Indianapolis, Indiana in 1942 , joining the Army, where he served in the European theater and participated in the Battle of the Bulge. Upon returning, he attended the University of Illinois, Navy Pier, where he met his wife Phyllis. He graduated from the University of Miami, Florida in 1953.

After living many places in his role as a Sales Engineer for Tremco Manufacturing Company, he and Phyllis settled in Bluffton in 1989 after his retirement. He was an active member of St Francis by the Sea Church, serving on the building committee, a founding member of the parish's Knights of Columbus council, and regular usher at the 9 o'clock Mass. He served on the Board of Directors of Programs for Exceptional People (PEP) for many years.

In addition to his wife, Phyllis, he is preceded in death by his sister, Barbara Worden and grandson, Joseph Manzi. He is survived by his 8 children Debbie (Paul), Pam (Jim), Betsy, Peggy, Roberta "Tootie" (Doug), Michael (Diona), Patti, and Steven (Beth), 13 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. In addition, he is survived by his sister, Jeannie Laughlin and brother-in-law, James Worden.

A Mass of Celebration will be held at St Francis by the Sea on Friday, September 12, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. This will be preceded by recitation of the Rosary at 9:30.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Programs for Exceptional People (PEP) 39 Sheridan Park Circle, Suite 2, Bluffton, SC.