Captain Robert R. Bidwell, Supply Corps, U.S. Navy Retired

Bob was born August 28, 1944 in Elizabeth, NJ and was graduated from Florida State University in 1967.  Member of Chi Phi fraternity (Nu Delta '67). He was commissioned in 1968 through Officer Candidate School in Newport, RI. He served 27 years as a Supply Corps Officer serving afloat on USS Forrestal (CV-59), USS Mitscher (DDG-35), USS Orion (AS-18), and USNS Spica (TAFS-9).  His career culminated at the Washington D.C. Navy Yard as the Commanding Officer of the Navy Food Service Systems Office.
After retiring in 1994, the family returned to Clermont.   He was a member and volunteer at the First United Methodist Church, Clermont.  Bob enjoyed taking care of the family citrus grove, playing softball, volleyball, rowing, and traveling.

Captain Bidwell was preceded in death by his parents Jack R. Bidwell and Isabelle W. Bidwell of Brielle, New Jersey. He is survived by brothers Frank (Edith), Mark (Debra) and Kenneth (Nadine) Bidwell.  His wife of 54 years, Ginger (Virginia Vinson Bidwell), their two children:  Amy E. Bidwell and Stephen R. Bidwell, his wife Jennifer D. Bidwell.  Grandchildren: Camryn E. Flesher (Harrison), Kendall G. Wasman, Carly N. Wasman, Joey L. Wasman, Jack K. Bidwell, and Henry D. Bidwell.

Bob passed away peacefully at home on December 10th after a long battle with Parkinson's disease.  His interment will be at Arlington National Cemetery.