IN MEMORIAM: Glenn C. Bidwell, 72;

Air Force Vet, Salesman, Dirt-Track Fan

ONEONTA – Glenn Charles Bidwell, 72, passed away Dec. 22, 2018, at the home of his daughter. Glenn had stopped laughing so we all knew it was time for him to go. He passed peacefully, surrounded by his family.

Glenn was born on Feb. 23, 1946, in Oneonta to Norbert and Dorothy (Mathewson) Bidwell. Voted class clown in elementary school, he continued to have a great time, graduating from Oneonta High School.

Always up for an adventure, he enlisted in the Air Force in 1965. He entertained many with stories from his time stationed in Thailand and Turkey.

Glenn was well known around Oneonta. As a salesman he sold everything from cars to vacuum cleaners, from advertising to ice cream; however, his humor and friendship he always shared for free.

In the 1980s, Glenn and his daughter discovered their love of dirt-track racing, spending their weekends at Fonda Speedway and tracks across the state. This hobby continued with his son-in-law and grandkids, earning him the title Papa Racecar.

Glenn leaves behind his mother Dorothy Schick; daughter and son-in-law Kelly and Lary Gell; grandsons John and Quintin Gell and his grandpups Cooper and Pepper, who loved getting presents from Papa. Glenn will be missed by his many aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family and friends.

At his request, we will be celebrating Glenn’s life with a party, of course! Please join us at 2 p.m. Jan. 19 at the American Legion, 279 Chestnut St., Oneonta NY. Please bring your smile, your laughter and a favorite Glenn story.

Donations can be made to Catskill Area Hospice, 297 River Street Service Road, Oneonta NY 13820 and Susquehanna SPCA, 4841 NY-28 Cooperstown NY 13326.