ichard W. Bird, Sr., 78, of Zion, passed away Monday, August 6, 2012, at The Oakes in Pleasant Gap, where he had been a resident for the past 2 years. A son of the late James H. and Ruth Ann (Kline) Bird, he was born in Bellefonte on May 24, 1934. In 1954 he married the former Sylvia D. MacNamara, who preceded him in death in 1984.
He attended Bellefonte Area High School and was the owner/operator of R.W. Bird Trucking Company. He was a member of the Zion Community Church and life member of the Benevolent Protective Order of the Elks # 1094 in Bellefonte.
Richard is survived by his children; Sandy Packer and her husband Dan, of Bellefonte, Richard W. Bird, Jr. and his wife Pat, of Pleasant Gap, Susan Reese and her husband Ed, of Zion, Curtis Bird of Round Rock, TX and Roger Bird of State College. Also surviving Richard are 13 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. He is survived by two sisters; Joan Foresman of Snow Shoe and Nancy of Port Matilda; three brothers, James Bird, Tom Bird, both of Bellefonte and Robert Bird of State College.
In addition to his wife and parents he was preceded in death by one son, Terry, one brother, Daniel and his second wife, Nancy Brown.
A public visitation will be held Wednesday, August 8, 2012, from 6-9 pm, at Zion Community Church, 3261 Zion Rd Bellefonte, PA 16823 and Thursday, August 9, 2012 from 10-11 am. Funeral services will be held Thursday, August 9, 2012, at 11:00 am, at the church with Pastor Rob Tevis and Pastor Warren G. Somers officiating. Burial will follow at Centre County Memorial Park, College Township.
In lieu of flowers memorial contribution may be made in Richard’s memory to The Oaks, 200 Rachel Dr., Pleasant Gap, PA 16823 or Home Nursing Agency, 450 Windmere Dr., Ste 100, State College, PA 16801.
Arrangements are under the direction of Wetzler Funeral Service Inc., Bellefonte, PA.
