Thomas E. Bidwell

Thomas E. Bidwell, 71, of Skinner Creek Road passed away Friday (Oct. 18, 2024) in his home, with family by his side. Born Oct. 25, 1952, in Bradford, he was a son of Malcolm E. and Caroline Wilcox Bidwell. 

On June 23, 1984, in Port Allegany, he married Debbie S. Alcock, who survives.

 Tom was a lifetime resident of the area and a graduate of Port Allegany High School, class of 1970.

 He was owner and operator of Bidwell Auto of Port Allegany, for many years. 

Tom was a member of the Port Allegany Moose Lodge 460 and Sons of the VFW, Port Allegany, and was an avid pool player who played in many area pool leagues. 

His most enjoyable entertainment was dirt track racing, NASCAR racing and following Dale Earnhardt.

 He also enjoyed spending time with his family. 

Surviving in addition to his wife, Debbie, and mother, Caroline Archetto of Port Allegany, are three sons, Shawn T. (Vanessa) Bidwell of Emporium, Thomas E. (Bridgette) Bidwell Jr. of Port Allegany and Izak T. Bidwell of Punxsutawney; three daughters, Tammy L. (Sean) Camp of Port Allegany, Lisa M. Banks of Punxsutawney and Erica R. (Kyle) Babcock of Port Allegany; two foster sons, Tray and Ashton Rethmel, both of Port Allegany; a foster daughter, Ashley L. Carpenter of Buffalo, N.Y.; and 14 grandchildren, Greyson, Cooper and McKenzie Bidwell, Braydon and Landyn Babcock, Tyler and Alex Bidwell, Ariana Bidwell, Eloara Bachman, Ryder Camp, Dahsun Bidwell, Mariah VanHorn, Destinee Stiles, Jordan Jones and Baylee Jones; a brother, Barry L. (Rita) Bidwell of Erie; and a sister, Janeal A. (Joseph) Hedman of Warren.

 He was preceded in death by his father, Malcolm Bidwell. 

Friends will be received from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday (Oct. 22, 2024) and 10 to 11 a.m. Wednesday (Oct. 23, 2024) at Switzer Funeral Home, where a funeral service will follow with the Rev. Anthony Edgell, pastor of Turtlepoint Evangelical Church, officiating.

 Burial will be in McKean Memorial Park, Lewis Run. 

Memorials can be made to Seneca Highlands IU9, CTC department, Port Allegany. 

Condolences can be made at switzerfuneralhome.com