Arthur T. Bird, 75, Enjoyed Golfing and Traveling
Arthur T. "Tom" Bird, 75 of Amherst, passed away on Monday, July 11, 2016 at his home following a brief illness.
Mr. Bird was born in Johnstown, PA on November 1, 1940, the son of the late Arthur T. and Helen E. (nee Schrock) Bird. He was a graduate of Westmont Hilltop High School in Johnstown and then in 1962, he received a bachelor of science degree in chemical engineering from Pennsylvania State University. He was an honorably discharged veteran of the Army National Guard.
He was a member of Lorain Lighthouse United Methodist Church in Lorain, playing in the Hand Bell Choir, serving in the Outreach Program, Food Pantry and several of the church fund raisers. As a member of the former Delaware Avenue United Methodist Church, he also served on the Pastor Parish Chair, Administrative Board Chair, was a Sunday School Teacher, played in church golf outings and on the softball team.
Mr. Bird was a member of the Lorain Senior Fellowship, Penn State Alumni Assoc., Nittany Lion Club, and former US Steel Management Club. He was a longtime blood donor with Life Share Blood Bank. He enjoyed golfing, traveling, snow skiing, reading, watching Pittsburgh Sports, and especially attending and watching Penn State Football. He bowled and golfed with Management Club, played baseball and softball, enjoyed being a photographer and videographer. He also was a member of the Marion L. Steele High School Athletic Boosters.
Since 1994, Mr. Bird was a Ohio High School Athletic Association licensed Track & Field Official.
He worked as a quality control engineer at US Steel in Lorain from 1962 until 1999 with an ASQ Certification. Following his retirement from US Steel, he had worked for Bodnar Printing and became a toll taker for the Ohio Turnpike Commission, collecting tolls at the Amherst exit. For a short time, he taught at Lorain County Community College.
Tom is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Virginia L. (nee Webb) Bird, daughter Stephanie L. (Mark) Wagner of Traverse City, MI, son Mark C.(Sharon) Bird, of Mars, PA, grandchildren Connor Bird, Colby Bird, Marina Wagner, Camille Bird, Lara Wagner, and his brother, Richard E. (Ivis) Bird, of Houston, TX, several cousins and 2 nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister Nancy Jane Bird.
Friends may call on Saturday, July 23, 2016 in the Lorain Lighthouse United Methodist Church, 3015 Meister Road, Lorain beginning at 10:00 am until the Memorial Service at noon. The Revs. Greg Sellers, senior pastor of the Lorain Lighthouse United Methodist Church and Rev. John Ferris, former pastor of the Delaware Avenue United Methodist Church will co-officiate.
Burial will be private.
The family suggests that memorial contributions may be made to Lorain Lighthouse United Methodist Church, 3015 Meister Road, Lorain, Ohio 44053 or to Mercy-New Life Hospice, c/o Mercy Foundation, 3600 Kolbe Road, Lorain, Ohio 44053.
Arrangements are being handled by the Schwartz, Spence, Boyer & Cool Home For Funerals, 1124 W. 5th Street, Lorain, Ohio 44052. Online condolences at www.boyercool.com.