The Bishop family’s roots in Guilford stretch back to the town’s founding in 1639. As fourth-generation stewards of Bishop’s Orchards, cousins Al and Gene Bishop carried forward a tradition of community leadership that extended far beyond the family farm. Many knew Al and Gene as fourth-generation stewards of the family business, Bishop’s Orchards. A closer look tells us that these men represented all that is Guilford. They spent their lives dedicated to the quality of life here. Both men have diverse talents and skills that go far beyond farming. They were involved in almost every aspect of Guilford’s life and continue to serve the community they love with a selfless spirit.

The Guilford Foundation established a fund to honor the dedication of these two lifelong Guilford residents. Their life experiences have led them to designate the fund in their honor to benefit young people by providing opportunities for innovative and challenging hands-on experiences in the vocational and industrial arts.

The fund reflects Al and Gene’s belief in the value of skilled trades, hands-on learning, and creating opportunities for future generations. Through scholarships awarded each year, their legacy continues to inspire and support students as they pursue meaningful careers.

Albert B. “Al” Bishop (1931 – 2017)
Born in Guilford in 1931, Al Bishop has always made the community a first priority. He has been actively involved in the Eagle Hose Fire Company, First Congregational Church of Guilford, Connecticut Pomological Society, Guilford Community Fund, Connecticut Farm Bureau, UCONN Alumni Association, and the University of New Haven Center for Family Business. Al and his wife were honorary Chairs of the Community Fund Drive and hosted many AFS students. Recently, Al served as a major “catalyst” for the Robotics Team at GHS and showcased his woodworking skills by handcrafting all the Robotics awards. Al left Guilford for two years to serve in the Air Force but has spent the rest of his life in Guilford with his wife, Barbara, four children, and 11 grandchildren.

Charles E. “Gene” Bishop (1933 – 2026)
Born in Guilford in 1933, Gene Bishop has an impressive record of service to the Guilford community. He has served 12 years as a volunteer fireman, six years as a school mentor, and, with his wife, served as an AFS host family. He served two terms as Chair of the Community Fund Drive. Other boards and organizations include 12 years on the Conservation Commission, 19 years on the Zoning Board of Appeals, 25 years with the Guilford Rotary Club, Trustee and 47-year member of St. Albans Masonic Lodge, Connecticut Pomological Society, and on the Vestry as a Warden at Christ Episcopal Church. Most recently, Gene served 10 years on the Board of Selectmen, including 2 years as First Selectman. He married his high school sweetheart, Jane, and has two children.