Richard E. Bird

GLENVILLE - Richard E. Bird, 86, of Glenville, passed peacefully on Friday, February 7, 2014 at Ellis Hospital. He enjoyed a wonderful 63 year marriage with the late Marion Ellen Wilson, and considered himself very fortunate to find love a second time with his dear friend, Loretta Spaulding of Rotterdam.

Born in Oswego, New York, Richard was a WWII veteran of the US Navy. Upon returning from the military, he served as a police officer in Oswego for many years. In 1965, he joined the newly formed Capital Police in Albany where he ascended through the ranks retiring as Chief of Police. Richard was the founding president of the first chapter of the New York State Fraternal Order of Police and continued to be an active member of the Oswego County Lodge #1. He was also an active member of the New York State Association of Chiefs of Police.

Richard is survived by his daughters, Ellen Bird (Bill Terns) of Carlisle, Margaret (Fred) Schroeder of Averill Park, Dottie Koch of Rotterdam, Barbara (Mark) Alberts of San Diego, and Mary Starr (Dave Flaherty) of Rotterdam; ten grandchildren, Ken (Doreen) Zinssar, Wilson (Michelle) Zinssar, Fred (Michelle) Schroeder, Kristen Schroeder, Adele Koch, Lexy Koch, Jason (Norah) Alberts, Stephen Alberts (Sarah Nunez), Ben Starr, and Anna Starr; and eleven great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 12 noon Wednesday at New Comer Cannon Funeral Home, 343 New Karner Road, Colonie. Calling hours will precede the service from 10 a.m. to 12 noon. A private interment following the service will be held at Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery in Niskayuna.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Richard's memory may be made to The Community Hospice of Schenectady 1411 Union Street, Schenectady, NY 12308.