Charles Bird Jr
September 16, 1928 — November 11, 2015
Charles Joseph Bird Jr., 87 surrounded by his family after a long courageous battle with cancer was summounded back to the Lord on Wednesday November 11, 2105.
Charles was born in Stamford, CT on September 16, 1928 one of three children to the late Charles and Kathrine (Proszkowska) Bird. Charles was born and raised in Stamford and a graduate of Stamford High School. After graduation he joined the US Navy and was honorably discharged in 1947 as a Hospital Apprentice First class, and a recieptiant of the World War II victory medal. After his discharge he began his career as a Printer. Charles began his career with Conde Nast Corporation, working at various printing concerns throughout his life including The Darien Review, and finally with Inter Process of Stamford from where he retired in 1990. He and his beloved wife Betty retired to Apollo Beach Florida where they enjoyed a rich and rewarding life. In Apollo Beach he was an active member of the Apollo Beach Power Squadron, The Elks club of South Hillsborough, and St Ann Roman Catholic Church, Ruskin. FL. Charles returned to Connecticut in 2001, He was an active volunteer and Eucharistic Minister at Sacred Heart Church, Southbury, CT. Charles spent many hours volunteering at the Pope John Paul II Center for Health Care in Danbury. He was Third Degree Honorary life member of St. Augustine Council #41 of the Knights of Columbus in Stamford. Charles was awarded the designation as a Fourth Degree Knight by the Most Reverend Henry J. O’Brien Archbishop of Hartford.
One of his greatest pleasures in life was watching and participating in the successes of his grandchildren whether on the field or in the classroom.
Charles is survived by his five children; Michael Bird and wife Joan, of Roanoke, VA, Maureen McGrath of Midlothian, VA, Kenneth Bird and wife Cathy, of Stratford, CT Sharon Decrescenzo and husband George, of Naugatuck, CT and Elizabeth (Betsy) D’Acunto and husband Antonio of Naugatuck, CT. He is also survived by his sister Joan (Bird) Nizolek, of Stamford, CT along with ten grandchildren; Ryan, Ellen, Kensey, Dustin, Diana, Daniel, Laura, Andrew, Michael, and Brian, in addition to his one great grandchild; Kingston.
In addition to his parents, Charles is predeceased by the love of his life his wife Elizabeth (Betty) (Ryan) Bird, and his sister Geraldine (Bird) Duddie.
Family and friends may call at Nicholas F Cognetta Funeral Home & Crematory, 104 Myrtle Avenue Stamford, CT on Sunday November 15, 2015 from 3:00-6:00PM. A secondary wake will take place at Sacred Heart Church, 910 Main St. So., Southbury, CT. on Monday November 16, 2015 from 12:30-1:30PM prior to a Mass of Christian Burial which will be held at 1:30PM at Sacred Heart Church in Southbury. Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Charles name may be made to the Sacred Heart Church Mustard Seed fund, 901 Main St. So. Southbury, CT 06488 or to the Hartford HealthCare at Home Hospice, 50 Brookside Rd. Waterbury, CT 06708.
To leave online condolences, please visit www.cognetta.com.
Charles was born in Stamford, CT on September 16, 1928 one of three children to the late Charles and Kathrine (Proszkowska) Bird. Charles was born and raised in Stamford and a graduate of Stamford High School. After graduation he joined the US Navy and was honorably discharged in 1947 as a Hospital Apprentice First class, and a recieptiant of the World War II victory medal. After his discharge he began his career as a Printer. Charles began his career with Conde Nast Corporation, working at various printing concerns throughout his life including The Darien Review, and finally with Inter Process of Stamford from where he retired in 1990. He and his beloved wife Betty retired to Apollo Beach Florida where they enjoyed a rich and rewarding life. In Apollo Beach he was an active member of the Apollo Beach Power Squadron, The Elks club of South Hillsborough, and St Ann Roman Catholic Church, Ruskin. FL. Charles returned to Connecticut in 2001, He was an active volunteer and Eucharistic Minister at Sacred Heart Church, Southbury, CT. Charles spent many hours volunteering at the Pope John Paul II Center for Health Care in Danbury. He was Third Degree Honorary life member of St. Augustine Council #41 of the Knights of Columbus in Stamford. Charles was awarded the designation as a Fourth Degree Knight by the Most Reverend Henry J. O’Brien Archbishop of Hartford.
One of his greatest pleasures in life was watching and participating in the successes of his grandchildren whether on the field or in the classroom.
Charles is survived by his five children; Michael Bird and wife Joan, of Roanoke, VA, Maureen McGrath of Midlothian, VA, Kenneth Bird and wife Cathy, of Stratford, CT Sharon Decrescenzo and husband George, of Naugatuck, CT and Elizabeth (Betsy) D’Acunto and husband Antonio of Naugatuck, CT. He is also survived by his sister Joan (Bird) Nizolek, of Stamford, CT along with ten grandchildren; Ryan, Ellen, Kensey, Dustin, Diana, Daniel, Laura, Andrew, Michael, and Brian, in addition to his one great grandchild; Kingston.
In addition to his parents, Charles is predeceased by the love of his life his wife Elizabeth (Betty) (Ryan) Bird, and his sister Geraldine (Bird) Duddie.
Family and friends may call at Nicholas F Cognetta Funeral Home & Crematory, 104 Myrtle Avenue Stamford, CT on Sunday November 15, 2015 from 3:00-6:00PM. A secondary wake will take place at Sacred Heart Church, 910 Main St. So., Southbury, CT. on Monday November 16, 2015 from 12:30-1:30PM prior to a Mass of Christian Burial which will be held at 1:30PM at Sacred Heart Church in Southbury. Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Charles name may be made to the Sacred Heart Church Mustard Seed fund, 901 Main St. So. Southbury, CT 06488 or to the Hartford HealthCare at Home Hospice, 50 Brookside Rd. Waterbury, CT 06708.
To leave online condolences, please visit www.cognetta.com.
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