Printer Friendly Version - Guilford Community Legend Al Bishop Passes

Guilford business and community leader Al Bishop died on March 20 after a long fight with Parkinson’s disease. He’s shown here, second from right, with family members (from left) Nancy Bishop, Jonathan Bishop, and (right) Gene Bishop during a 2008 Guilford Community Fund celebration of a new endowment fund named for Al and Gene Bishop. Photo by Pam Johnson/The Courier

Fourth-generation and former co-owner of Bishop’s Orchards Albert “Al” Bishop died on March 20 at the age of 86. Known for not only his role in the iconic family business, Bishop will be remembered for his many lasting contributions to the Guilford and broader shoreline community over his life.

Born in Guilford in 1931, Bishop was involved in many aspects of town including the Eagle Hose Fire Company, the First Congregational Church, the Guilford Community Fund, the Connecticut Farm Bureau, and Apple Pi Robotics (which he founded), among many others.

Keith Bishop, Al Bishop’s son and fifth-generation co-owner and co-CEO of Bishop’s Orchards, commented on his father’s passing on Facebook.

“My Dad Al Bishop peacefully passed in his sleep early Monday morning March 20, 2017,” he said. “He was a Parkinson’s fighter for over 15 years and set a wonderful example of keeping is spirit and outlook positive, all while continuing to support family, friends, the church and his special child, the Apple Pi Robotics Team.”

“Almost 3,000 employees have had seasonal and full time jobs at Bishop’s Orchards in the years that spanned his years,” he said. “It’s so rewarding to have multiple generations of other families have employment with us, develop themselves and watch high school employees return to tell him of the impact the job had on their lives.”

Albert Bishop is survived by his wife, Barbara, four children, 11 grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren.

A memorial Service will be held at 2 pm on Monday, April 3, at the First Congregational Church of Guilford followed by a reception in Fellowship Hall. Burial will be private.

Memorial donations in lieu of flowers may be made to First Congregational Church, Trustees Endowment Fund, 122 Broad Street, Guilford, CT 06437; 4-H FIRST Apple Pi Robotics Team #2067, 455 Great Hill Rd, Guilford, CT 06437, UConn College of Agriculture Al and Barbara Scholarship Fund, 2390 Alumni Dr. Unit 3206, Storrs CT 06269, or the Al & Gene Bishop Scholarship Fund for Vocational and Industrial Arts, ℅ Guilford Foundation, P.O. Box 35, Guilford, CT 06437. The Guilford Funeral Home, 115 Church Street, is in charge of arrangements.

To share a memory or leave a message of condolence for the family, visit www.guilfordfuneralhome.com.