George Edward Bigelow

George Edward Bigelow., of Bradenton FL & Ann Arbor MI passed away Wednesday January 31, 2018 at the age of 93. He was raised in Lewistown, PA where he met and married Betty Gilchrist. He began his career as a welder until being drafted into the Army for WWII. He served in the 66th (Black Panther) Infantry Division and survived the sinking of the SS Leopoldville in the English Channel Christmas Eve December 24, 1944. After being discharged from the Army, he attended Northwestern University receiving both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Accounting and Business Education respectively. He met and married Virginia (Ginny) Arnold while attending college. Following graduation, he taught business at Tappan Middle School in Ann Arbor, MI for 27 years. Although a graduate of Northwestern University, he was a long time avid University of Michigan fan. After retiring from teaching, he became a taxpayer representative for the IRS for 10 years helping individuals with their taxes for which he received numerous service awards. He and Ginny loved to travel, visiting all of the US and most of Europe, Scandinavia, Australia and Asia. They split their time between Ann Arbor and Bradenton, FL. They were also avid golfers and active in the church.

He is preceded in death by his first wife Betty Bigelow, second wife Virginia (Ginny) Bigelow, and daughter Robin Winters. He is survived by his son Larry Bigelow (wife Wendy), daughter Becky Bush (husband Garry), son-in-law Tom Winters, seven grandchildren, six great grandchildren and two great great grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 11 am on Thursday February 8, 2018 at Trinity United Methodist Church, 3200 Manatee Ave. West in Bradenton, FL.

Manasota Memorial Park and Funeral Home is entrusted with final care.