Francis R Bird

Francis "Franny" Bird, 77, of Worcester passed away peacefully Sunday, December 19th in the arms of his devoted wife and surrounded by his cherished family. Francis was born January 14, 1933 in Worcester, the only son of five children of Francis and Rose (Blomquist) Bird. He attended Commerce High, joined the U.S. Army to serve his country in Korea from 1953 to 1955 and has lived here all his life. Franny was a proud member of the Teamster Local 170, working more than 35 years as a route salesman for the JJ Nissen Company before retiring in 1994. He then served the Town of Oxford, School Department another 16 years retiring from there this past June. Franny is survived by his high school sweetheart and wife of 58 years Natalie (Ciuffredo) Bird; Five devoted children, Francis "Skip" Bird and his wife Michele of Lakeville, Mass, Richard Bird and his wife Kristine, Debra McDonald and her husband James, Tina Gelineau and her husband David all of Oxford, Kathleen Blanchard and her husband Emil of Worcester; two sisters, Gail Kobel of North Brookfield, and Vivian Capp of Worcester; fifteen grandchildren whom he adored; many nieces, nephews, children who called him "Papa" and countless other friends and extended family. Two sisters, Marilyn Brown and Nancy Richardson pre deceased him. Franny was a member of St. Stephen Church. A member and past Cmdr of the Southworks Post 3657 in Worcester, the Greendale Retired Men's Club, and a proud member and supporter of the Hanover Theatre. He was an avid Red Sox and Patriots fan, who also enjoyed the game of golf and even scored a rare hole in one at Clearview Country Club. Fran and his wife loved to Dance. They were regular members of the "Friday Gang" dancing and dining on Fridays at the Chester P. Tuttle Post with friends. He loved the summers tending his swimming pool and his green, green grass, as well as enjoying Old Orchard Beach in Maine with the entire family. His family was his inspiration and life's enjoyment. His most cherished moments were spent being with them. The funeral will be held Wednesday, December 22, from the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St. with a Mass at 10:00 am in St Stephen's Church, 357 Grafton St. Burial will follow in North Cemetery in Oxford. Friends and relatives are invited to visit with the family Tuesday, December 21st from 5 pm to 8 pm in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Project Duke Autism Program, care of the Chaffee School, Clover Street Oxford, Ma 01540.