Obituaries 
Racop, Howard G.
Howard G. Racop, age 96, of 26131 Miller Hill Road, Cambridge Springs, PA, passed away on Saturday, February 9, 2013 at Cambridge Springs Rehab and Nursing Center. He had been in failing health. Born on November 18, 1916 in Rockdale Township, Cambridge Springs and living there for his entire life, Howard was a son of the late Timothy P. Racop and Julia Marie Campbell Racop.
In his earliest years, Howard was a dairy farmer in Rockdale Township and enjoyed the fruits of his labor as a result of his ethic “always doing a hard day’s work”. He was proud of his efforts and enjoyed being known for his horsemanship and helping other neighboring farmers. Beginning in the early 1960’s, Howard became a meat cutter and was employed by Shorts Red and White Grocery in Cambridge Springs. It was there that he met a fellow worker -Jean Carpenter Bidwell and they were married on August 5, 1967. Howard had a previous marriage to Charlotte Campbell whom he married on October 22, 1936 which ended in her death on December 25, 1964. One of Howard’s pleasures was square dancing. He was affiliated with the Millers Station United Methodist Church.
Surviving Howard in addition to his wife Jean, is a son -Jerry Racop and his wife, Frankie Andrews Racop of Cambridge Springs and a step-son - Ed Bidwell and his wife, Rita DeSio Bidwell of Mill Village. Also surviving are two sisters - Vera Besonson and her husband, Don Besonson and Ruth Lawrence. In addition, there are seven grandchildren - Mark Racop and his wife, Theresa of Union City; Eileen Westover and her husband, Matt of Anchorage, AK; Tina Brown and her husband, Mark of Waterford; Tracie Duffy and her husband, Kevin of Cambridge Springs; Tim Racop and his wife, Marsha of Cambridge Springs; Becky Bidwell-Hanson and her husband, Paul of Boston, MA; and David Bidwell of Waterford. Also eight great grandchildren - Luke Racop, Jennifer and Christopher Westover, Dylan and Carter Brown, Nathan and Madalyn Duffy, and Henry Racop.
Howard was preceded in death, in addition to his parents and his first wife - Charlotte, by his son - Max Racop and his wife, Theresa Polach Racop; a step-daughter - Leslie Ann Bidwell; and by a sister - Ethel Turner.
Friends may call at the Van Matre Family Funeral Home in Cambridge Springs on Tuesday from 11:00 o’clock a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 2:00 p.m. Reverend Brian Riddle, pastor of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church of Drakes Mills will officiate. Internment will then take place at Mitchell Cemetery.
The family suggests that memorials be made to a charity of one’s choice.
Dear Jerry & Family,
May you know God’s comfort and encouragement at this time and the days ahead. Praying for all.
Wendie
Dear Jean & Family,
We were saddened to Read of Howard’s passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Tony & Linda Kondzielski
Dear Jerry and family: My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I am so sorry for your loss. All my love.
Jane & Wayne Fisher
Dear Jean and Family,
We are sorry to hear of Howard’s death. Remember seeing you at Country Table and
Jack and Loretta’s. A lot of years have passed as well as Country Table and Jack and Loretta. You have our snmpathy.
Sincerely, Maxine and Jim
Jerry and family we were sorry to hear about your dad. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Jerry, Frankie and Family
Sorry to hear about your father. You all are in my thoughts and prayers.
Mrs. Racop,
I was Chaplain at Polk Center with Leslie, I just happened to notice the news of your husband’s passing - my prayers are with you! You have had a very difficult year but I know that the arms of God are supporting you and that He is holding your love ones close.