Gene (Geno) Bidwell, age 80, of Ladson, South Carolina died unexpectedly on December 30, 2025.

He was preceded in death by his wife JoAnne Sossong Bidwell, on April 9, 2012. His companion was Marie Cancilla.

Born in Scranton PA., he was the son of the late Richard and Anne Bidwell. After his graduation from high school, he worked for some local companies in West Scranton. He then began his long career and retired from RCA in Dunmore. He always spoke fondly of his friends at work and they of him. 

He loved nothing more than helping his community, friends and family. He happily played Santa for so many decades. He was involved in a Clothe-A-Child program and was the one who always had a raffle ticket to sell in his pocket, to benefit any number of organizations. If someone was hungry, he found a way to get them food, if they needed a crib or appliances, he found a way to get that too. 

He had a great love for fishing, the LA Dodgers, and of course Elvis. During his 15 years in South Carolina, he was working as an Avon man to keep his mind sharp as he had Alzheimer’s and needed the brain stimulation. 

He was very successful because he was such a people person. Everywhere he went, he made a friend. He would always enjoy heading to his favorite coffee place every night-Krispy Kreme. It was a great meeting place to chat with friends and family.

 As much as he loved living in NEPA, he really enjoyed living in South Carolina and said one of the best days of his life was when he stepped into the ocean for the first time at age 65.

Gene is survived by his sons, Scott Bidwell Sr., daughter in law Kim Bidwell; Mark Sandy, wife Janice; Gene Bidwell Jr., wife Heidi; Jerry Theobald, wife Debbie; David Theobald, wife Sandy; daughter Brenda Culpepper, husband Van; daughter Deb Powell, late husband Paul. He was blessed with many grandchildren, Scotty, Darren, David Jr, Allison, Joseph, Jessica, Shawna, David, Christopher, Jason, Jeffrey, Tanya, Chad, and Mark. He was also blessed with 16+ great-grand children. 

He is preceded in death by his siblings, Ronald, Donald, Charlotte and his grandson Carl Hughes Jr.

A celebration of life may be planned in the future. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the American Heart Association.