Herbert J. ‘Pete’ Bird, intelligent, caring man
Herbert Joseph Daniel “Pete” Bird, 92, died suddenly Tuesday, Jan. 26, 2021, in Millsboro.
Pete is survived by his wife, Margaret Mansuy “Peggy” Swetnam of Ocean View; his daughter, Diana Lynn Martin (Don Simpson) of Phoenix, Ariz.; his daughter Dawn Lee Tropea (Angelo) of Thorndale, Pa.; his son David Scott Bird (Lisa) of Millville; his daughter Cynthia Patricia Howland (Matt) of North Dighton, Mass.; his brother Richard Edward ”Dick” Bird of Pinola, Calif.; 19 grandchildren; and 24 great-grandchildren, as well as extended family.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Martin William Bird of Linden, Va.; and his son, Christopher Daniel Bird of Plymouth Meeting, Pa.
Pete was born Nov. 25, 1928, in McKees Rocks, Pa., to parents Herbert Edward Bird and Estelle Irene Havice. He graduated from high school in 1947 and enlisted in the U.S. Navy. Following active service in the Korean Conflict, he re-enlisted in the Navy as a data analyst, and was honorably discharged as a petty officer, second class.
Always a very precise and trusted worker, he worked as an analyst for the Department of the Navy in Washington, D.C., the comptroller for the City of Compton, Calif., and a product/project manager for Sperry Univac and NCR for many years. After his retirement, he kept busy as a bus driver, first for the Colonial School District in Montgomery County, Pa., and then for the Delaware River and Bay Authority in Delaware at the Cape May-Lewes Ferry.
As a loving father, Pete and his wife Peggy found great pride in supporting their children in their various scholastic and competitive activities, including diving, swimming, gymnastics, and especially marching band.
Pete was a reserved and quiet man, who was deeply involved in supporting the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, and both the Lutheran and Methodist churches for the majority of his life. He enjoyed doing crossword puzzles in INK, beating Jeopardy contestants to answers, and reading classics of literature. He was also a fine singer, and a lover of big band and swing music. His family and friends will always remember him as an intelligent, caring person, with a wicked sense of humor, and a whistle that could tame a snake.
Scheduling of services is pending. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to a favorite charity.
The family would like to thank the professionals of the Atlantic Shores Rehabilitation Center and the staff there for all the care they have given Pete and that they continue to provide to Peggy.
Arrangements by Watson Funeral Home, Millsboro.
Electronic condolences via watsonfh.com
