Neal McGarry Bidwill passed away peacefully in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, surrounded by his family, on Good Friday, April 2, 2010, after a courageous struggle with Melanoma. He was 79 years old. Born in Chicago on May 23, 1930, he was raised in the city's near west suburbs, graduating from Fenwick High School. After attending Loyola University in Chicago, he served in the United States Air Force, and then began operating The Pacific Company, a construction business originally established by his grandfather in 1914. Under Neal's stewardship, the business flourished. He operated the business for almost sixty years up to the time of his death, providing sidewalk, street, and electrical contracting services throughout Chicago and Northern Illinois. Having a talent for business and an entrepreneurial spirit, Neal was involved in many varied business pursuits throughout his life. Possessing a passion for politics and public service, Neal also served in public office and participated in political affairs throughout much of his life. While living in Illinois, he was elected three times to serve as a Village Trustee of the Town of River Forest, Illinois, serving from 1961-1967. During those years, he also served as the elected Republican Committeeman from River Forest. He ultimately was appointed to serve on the Cook County Republican Executive Committee, and was instrumental in many successful political campaigns, including those of his father, longtime Illinois State Senator Arthur Bidwill. Upon moving to Broward County, Florida, in 1975, he continued his career of public service, serving three terms as the Mayor of Sea Ranch Lakes, Florida. Neal was blessed with a large, loving, Irish Catholic family and many close friends. He had a sharp, but playful, wit even to the end of his life, and he always enjoyed telling and re-telling a good story. An accomplished musician, he enjoyed reading and boating, tennis and golf, football and horse racing, a cold beer, a friendly bet, and, at one time, a good cigar. He touched many, many lives, and was such an enormous and thriving part of the lives of all around him, especially his family and close friends. His passing constitutes a profound loss for all who loved him, but the wonderful memory of our lives with him will serve to sustain us. He is survived by five children, Joseph Bidwill, Martin Bidwill, Mary Maxfield, Jane Soto, and Catherine Stiffler; fifteen grandchildren; a great-grandson; his sister, Jane Maus; and his brother, Father Joseph Bidwill. A funeral Mass was celebrated at St. Coleman's Catholic Church, in Pompano Beach, Florida, on April 6, and a burial ceremony will be held at Queen of Heaven Cemetery in Hillside, Illinois, on Friday, July 16, at 2 p.m.
Published in a Chicago Tribune Media Group Publication on July 15, 2010