Robert Thomas Bird Jr.

Bob was born on May 2, 1947, to Robert T. Bird, Sr. and Dorothy (Fesh) Bird in Yonkers, NY. A proud graduate of Cardinal Hayes High School in Bronx, NY, he went on to receive a bachelor’s degree from Husson College in Bangor, ME.

Upon graduating from college, Bob accepted a position with the Travelers Cheque division at American Express in New York City. This ultimately turned into an accomplished and very fun thirty plus year career with the company, where he made so many good friends, who became like family.

Bob was introduced to Donna J. Lewis, at a party hosted by his good friend, Janice (D’Agostino) Alexa in Yonkers, NY in 1971, and after dating for some time, Bob and Donna married on October 6, 1973. They started their life together in Yonkers, NY and had two children, Robert Thomas Bird, III, born October 8, 1976, and Ashley Diane (Bird) Corsi, born August 13, 1982.

In 1983, American Express offered Bob a management position in Salt Lake City, UT to oversee their new Travelers Cheque operations there. Beginning a new life, Bob embraced the lifestyle of living in Utah, trading the ocean for the mountains. Bob took up cross country skiing and became an avid skier. He competed in the Corporate Olympic Games where he won several medals. His favorite experience was skiing around Silver Lake at Brighton and loved being in the beauty of the mountains. In addition to skiing, Bob was actively involved in bowling and softball leagues.

Bob and Donna loved entertaining friends, family, and neighbors on Christmas Eve, and they quickly became involved in the local community. When Donna passed away in 1992, Bob selflessly raised Bobby and Ashley and found the courage and strength to now become the role of mother and father.

When the time was right, Bob found love and companionship with Cheryl Halcom, whom he had met at American Express. Bob and Cheryl were fortunate to have spent over twenty years together, finding joy in each other’s company at Utah Jazz games, trips to Wisconsin with Cheryl’s family, dinners with friends, and joy rides every Thursday to explore different areas of Utah.

Bob had a green thumb and loved gardening, planting a variety of flowers and bulbs every year, and taking great pride in his work. You could find Bob enjoying the sunshine sitting in his yard admiring his work and listening to the birds chirp. Bob appreciated the simple things in life and found so much satisfaction spending quality time with his children and grandchildren. He always put others first, going out of his way for anyone who needed his help. Bob loved to joke around, making others feel comfortable, and always said that while life can be complicated, life is what we make of it.

Bob left a legacy of words of wisdom for his family, which will give us comfort, forever.

Bob is survived by his soulmate, Cheryl Halcom; son, Robert Thomas Bird III (Karen), daughter, Ashley Diane Corsi (David); four grandchildren: Anthany, Michael, Ryan, and Alissa; nieces, Dawn and Stacy; extended children: Jim (Melonie), LeAnn (Lane) and Eric; and many extended grandchildren whom he loved as his own.

Bob is preceded in death by his wife, Donna; his parents, Robert, Sr. and Dorothy; and his sisters, Patricia Ann and Barbara Ellen.

A viewing for family and friends will be held Sunday, November 26th from 5:00 – 7:00 PM at Valley View Memorial Park and Funeral Home, 4335 West 4100 South, West Valley City, UT 84120.

A funeral Mass will be held on Monday, November 27th at 10:00 AM at Saints Peter and Paul Roman Catholic Church, 3560 West 3650 South, West Valley City, UT 84119, followed immediately by Rite of Committal at Valley View Memorial Park.