Thomas Ray ("Tom") Kidwell

Thomas Ray Kidwell, 81, of Georgetown, MA and formerly of Mattoon, IL, passed away peacefully at his home, with his devoted wife at his side on November 12, 2025. Tom was born on November 19, 1943, in Mattoon, IL to the late Raymond O. and Muriel (Nelms) Kidwell. He was raised and educated in Mattoon, IL.

Always a hard worker, Tom started out as a ditch digger at 18 years old in 1961 for Howell Asphalt and Paving Co. in Mattoon, IL and 50 years later, retired as the Vice President of Operations in 2011.

After marrying Anne (Kozak) Kidwell in Topsfield, MA on November 1, 2008, Tom settled down in Georgetown. After he retired in 2011, Tom could not stay idle, so he tried on a few hats which took him to the Nissan Dealership, where he delivered cars. This was Tom’s favorite job because he enjoyed and loved driving.

Tom eventually settled in one place and worked weekends for Mello Transfer Station in Georgetown for over 10 years, until his health became challenging in 2023. His work ethic far exceeded what was expected of him. He learned from his dad and grandfather how to work hard and be proud of a job well done.

Tom loved his friends and neighbors, always ready to give a helping hand. He and Annie loved to dance at summer concerts at Hampton Beach, playing Blackjack at the Casino and exploring New England with Annie. Tom was a horse lover and rode his beloved horse O.D. back in IL., however, it was dirt track racing that stole his heart, you would find Tom on Friday nights at Farmer City, IL. Tom loved NASCAR and could never figure out how he lost his hearing!!  Was it the jackhammering or the racetrack?

Tom was so many different things to so many people, yet he was the same person everywhere he went. He was not pretentious and could fit in anywhere, from down home to a Black-Tie event, he was able to put people at ease and was truly interested in others. His laid back, fun personality, was easy to love and his curiosity and mischievousness as a young boy got him close to trouble once in a while, but it was all in fun. To know Tom, was to love him!

Tom is survived by his beloved wife, Anne (Kozak) Kidwell of Georgetown, MA, his children, William “Bill” Kidwell and his wife Tina of Mattoon, IL, Rhonda Hubner and her husband Tad of Doswell, VA, his grandchildren, Claire Cienfuegos and her husband Anthony, Cole Kidwell, Meghan Adams and Chase Hubner, his great-grandchildren, Traiden, Kaloub and Tinlee Ann, his step daughter, Liane Bent and her life partner Artie Beauleau, his step grandchildren, Jeremy Bent, Alisha Beauleau and her partner Anthony. Tom was the brother of Linda Keown and his little sister, Connie Armentrout, who called Tommy her hero and Idol!!

He was the uncle to many nieces and nephews.

Tom was predeceased by his first wife, Diane (Hash) Kidwell, his sister, Janice Bernardini and his step grandson, Jamie Bent as well as his brother -in- laws, Wasyl Kozak and Roy Armentrout.

Family and friends are invited to attend Tom’s visitation on Saturday afternoon, November 22nd from 3 to 6pm at Conte – Giamberardino Funeral Home, 14 Pleasant Street, Georgetown. Interment will be private. For those who wish, Tom may be remembered through donations to the American Cancer Society or The Shriners Children’s Burn Center.

For the funeral home directions, florists or to share memories with Tom’s family, please visit www.cgfuneralhomegeorgetown.com

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