Richard R. Bird, retired Rutgers University graduate registrar, passed away peacefully on June 17th, 2019.
Richard was born in New York City-Governors Island, where his father was stationed during WWII. His father James Bird and his mother Mary Ames predeceased him.
In high school, Richard was active in sports and was a first-rate ¼ miler for the Highland Park High School Track & Field team. After serving in the Army he attended Rutgers College, class of 1963, where he played La Crosse, and graduated with a degree in Geography.
He joined Rutgers University in 1966. He retired as graduate registrar in 2017. He witnessed tremendous changes over the course of his 50 plus years of service to the university, always in defense of the integrity of the Registrar’s Office rules and records. He served with care and distinction, and had a lasting impact on the Rutgers community. His adherence to a moral compass served as a guide to those around him.
Richard was an avid climber and hiker, and an amateur watercolorist.
He chose to be a whole body donor to Rutgers RWJ Medical School. His ashes will be scattered atop Mt. Battie, overlooking Camden Harbor in Maine, his favorite summer stay.
He is survived by his loving wife, Monica Licourt Bird, his sisters Carole Johnson and Katherine Forte, and extended family and friends.
In lieu of flowers, a gift in the memory of Richard R. Bird may be made to:
The Farnsworth Art Museum
16 Museum Street
Rockland, Maine 04841