Donald Daniel Bidelman

Donald Daniel Bidelman, 87, a longtime resident of Flowery Branch, Georgia, and more recently of Chattanooga, Tennessee, passed away on Friday, September 5, 2025. Born in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, Don proudly served his country for 20 years in the U.S. Army, with assignments in Germany, Korea, and Vietnam. After retiring from the Army in Yorktown, Virginia, Don spent a year working as an American defense contractor for the Saudi Arabian government.

Upon returning to the United States, Don became a postal carrier with the U.S. Postal Service in Hampton, Virginia, where he worked for 16 years before retiring to Ford's Colony in Williamsburg, Virginia.

Don was a dedicated father to his son, Gary M. Bidelman (Mike), and was deeply involved in his son's baseball career, from Little League to American Legion, offering guidance and encouragement every step of the way. He was also an active member of a local bowling league in Newport News, Virginia, and enjoyed years of golfing in Newport News, Yorktown, and Williamsburg.

A lifelong fan of Pittsburgh sports, Don had a special love for the Steelers, Pirates, and Penguins, a passion he continued to enjoy after his daughter, Marlene J. Bidelman, moved to Pittsburgh to attend Duquesne University School of Law.

In 2005, Don and his wife, Sylvia, moved to Whitaker Downs in Hoschton, Georgia, where Don began a new chapter as a pet sitter and dog walker. Ten years later, they built their dream home at Sterling on the Lake in Flowery Branch, Georgia. There, Don joined a neighborhood cornhole team and earned a reputation as a frequent winner in the local chili cook-offs, including several first-place finishes.

Don and Sylvia were avid travelers, embarking on adventures together that began during his military service. Their travels took them to Cuba, Greece, and various destinations across the world, including visits to their son, Mike, and his family in Germany, Hawaii, and Alaska.

Don was a devoted member of the Roman Catholic faith, and together with Sylvia, they were active members of the Prince of Peace Catholic Church in Flowery Branch. He was also involved in the church's Golden Gaters and Stephen's Ministry.

In his downtime, Don was a proud, unofficial alumnus of the University of Notre Dame, where he was known for his unwavering support of Notre Dame football. Every Saturday during college football season, he could be found in his team's colors, cheering on the Fighting Irish.

Don was preceded in death by parents, Daniel R. and Helen L. (Petrek) Bidelman; and siblings: Joan Fernandez (and her husband, George, and their son, Mark), Romaine Hayostek (and her husband, Steve, and their daughter Sally), Alice Tvarozna (and her sons, George and Daniel), twin sister, Donna Bidelman, and brother, Jody Bidelman (and his wife, Rebecca). He is survived by his loving wife of many years, Sylvia Ruth (Rodriguez) Bidelman; son, Mike Bidelman (his wife, Jacqueline) and their daughters, Megan Jasiulevicius (and her husband, Justin) and their son, Jesse, and Kiley Lantzas (and her husband, Steve); daughter, Marlene J. Bidelman and her daughter, Maya Dye; as well as nieces, Susan Tvarozna East (and her husband, BJ), Diana Tvarozna Reigart (and her husband, Barry), Susan Fernandez Maher (and her husband, Bill).

Don's memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew him-through his deep love for his family, his commitment to service, and his zest for life and sense of humor.

A visitation will be held 2-4 PM on September 13, 2025, at the Heritage Funeral Home in East Brainerd. Don will be interred at Fort Sam Houstin National Cemetery in San Antonio, Texas.

The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, a donation of a tree be made in his memory through A Living Tribute https://shop.alivingtribute.org.

Visit the online obituary www.heritagechattanooga.com to post tributes and share memories.

Arrangements by Heritage Funeral Home, East Brainerd Chapel.