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Thomas Bird Obituary
Dr. Thomas Joseph "Tweeter" Bird, of Elmhurst, IL, formerly of Berkeley, IL and Scranton, PA, passed surrounded by family early Monday August 28th. Beloved Husband of the late Ann Bird, nee Gaughan; loving father of Mary Lourdes (Phillip Pekron) Bird, M.D., Patricia (Mike) Wlezien, Michelle (Rich) Pelsor, Laureen (Chris) Carini, Sharon Bird (fondest friend Bob Patton), Karen (Marco Casalaina) Bird dearest brother of Sister M. Carlita Bird, I.H.M., the late Carl, Joseph, Francis and Margaret Mary Bird; treasured brother-in-law of Catherine Joyce; doting grandfather of Dr. Rebecca (Derek Lyon) Pekron, Cynthia (Dr. Michael Bishof) Pekron, Brian Pekron, Caitlin and Brian Wlezien, Amanda and Ashley Pelsor, Catherine Carini and Ava Casalaina; great-grandfather of Gavin Thomas Pelsor, Ronan Thomas, Casimir and Ignatius Bishof and baby Lyon; uncle to many adoring nieces and nephew. Dr. Bird was born in 1927 in Scranton, PA, son of the late Carl P. Bird and Mary Collins Bird. Thomas received his B.S. from the University of Scranton, and his PhD in Medical Microbiology from the University of Pennsylvania. Thomas served in WWII and retired as a Colonel in the US Army Reserve, Medical Service Corps. Thomas was the President of the International Torch Association, President of the Illinois Society of Microbiology, Berkeley Library Board, Kiwanis, and served on numerous Catholic and civic organizations. He was the Chief of Microbiology for 35 years at Hines VA Hospital and a nationally recognized expert on Legionnaires Disease. And, he made the best pancakes in the world. Visitation Wednesday, August 30, 2017, from 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Ahlgrim Funeral Home, 567 Spring Rd., Elmhurst, IL. Funeral services for Dr. Bird will be begin with Prayers at the funeral home 9:15 am Thursday August 31, 2017 going to St. Domitilla Church where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 am. Interment, Queen of Heaven Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions to Development Office at IHM Center, 2300 Adams Ave., Scranton, PA, 18509, or Disabled American Veterans, P.O. Box 14301. Cincinnati, OH, 45250. Funeral info 630-834-3515To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Bird
brianna thomas-bird
September 26, 2018
i miss you mommy
Diane Nigro
September 2, 2017
Prayers and Love to all. Yes he did make great pancakes in all shapes and sizes when we were kids. Always remember him with love and smiles.
Love Diane
Bambulas Family
August 31, 2017
Sending prayers and condolences to your family. You're in our thoughts!
The Bambulas Family
Cathy Streett
August 31, 2017
My sincere condolences to the Bird family. Dr. Bird always stressed "family first" when I worked under him in the Microbiology Lab at Hines. I have passed those wise words along to others in my career, as "the walls will still be here when you are gone". As you well know he was so proud and devoted to you all. I am certain that you all are missing his smile, laugh, chocolate or hard sauce, and pancakes! Take care and hold those memories close as you adjust and grieve. Sincerely, Cathy Streett
Joan Malkowski
August 30, 2017
We are sending our prayers and condolences to the entire family with the passing of your father.
With our love and prayers,
Joan and Jerry Malkowski
Lynn
August 29, 2017
My sincere condolences to the Bird family and friends. Draw close to God in prayer during this difficult time.
William Johnson
August 29, 2017
My condolences on your loss. I proudly served on the library board with Dr. Bird and he was a credit to the library and every organization he was a part of. I know he will be missed.
Carolyn Gwadz
August 29, 2017
It's beautiful and touching to learn things in the obituary that I did not know about this beloved father and grandfather. What a gifted and meaningful life he lived, known for his intelligence, kindness and love and devoted to his faith all his days. Truly he is enjoying a "Well done, good and faithful servant" as his loved ones remember him.
Prayers and condolences to all in the extended Bird family. Tom's spirit and his genes live on in his many descendants. No doubt his good deeds and example will be celebrated in the days ahead. May he rest in peace.
In loving sympathy,
August 29, 2017
My family sends our sincere condolences for your loss. May happy memories of your loved one and the words of Isaiah 57:15 provide you with much comfort.
B. Musial
August 29, 2017
May our Heavenly Father bring comfort to your grieving hearts and grant you peace during this difficult time. Psalms 29:11
Maggie Franzen
August 29, 2017
Thank you for your service to our country. My deepest condolences to the Bird family.
From the Staff of Conboy's Westchester Funeral Home
August 28, 2017
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
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Elmhurst Community Funeral Home - The Ahlgrim Chapel567 South Spring Road, Elmhurst, IL 60126
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