Dale Richard Bird

Dale Richard Bird, 88, of Port Clinton, Ohio and formerly of Coshocton, Ohio, passed away peacefully at home with his family at his side, on Friday, December 27, 2024. Born in Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania on August 18, 1936, the son of Richard R. and Marcella E. (Mahon) Bird. Dale graduated from East Palestine High School in 1954. He met the love of his life, Eileen G. (McCarthy) and they were married on October 13, 1956, in East Palestine, Ohio.

Dale was an athlete in high school and college, playing football for the University of Cincinnati and later Baldwin Wallace where he earned his bachelor’s degree in education, and went on to teach physical education and health for 36 years at Coshocton High School. He also taught OWA and OWE classes. Dale was a football coach for Coshocton for many years and worked with the track team.

Dale will be remembered by his students as a “somewhat gruff” teacher who pushed his students to become the best they could be. He taught with respect and in return his students respected him.

Dale was a loving husband and father who led by example and who always had high expectations for those around him. He would listen to what you were saying, very intently, and then provide the right advice in a short and understandable way. He was a wood carver, crafting many items for all of his grandchildren as well as a boater, bow hunter and fisherman. He was a life member of the Knights of Columbus Council 1750. He and Eileen were also members of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Port Clinton.

Dale is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Eileen, daughters, Denise Stanziano, Erin (John) Cresto, Kelly (Scott) Reynolds, Colleen (Terry) Speakman and Christine (Joseph) Brenner, grandchildren, Alexandra, Kathryn (Tim), Taylor (Chris), Joshua (Jamie), Jason (Cinea), Jessie (Tyler), Kady (Craig), Eric, Zachary, Imilie, Beatrice, Joseph Dale, Maxwell Bird, and Marcella, 19 great-grandchildren, also siblings, Robert Bird, Nancy DeMase, and Frances (Dave) Stonemetz. He was preceded in death by his parents and son, Robert James Bird.

Visitation for Dale will be held from 10:00 – 11:00 AM, Thursday, January 2, 2025, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 414 Madison St., Port Clinton, followed by the Funeral Mass at 11:00 AM. Interment will be held later in East Palestine, Ohio. The Gerner-Wolf-Walker Funeral Home of Port Clinton is assisting with arrangements. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions to Stein Hospice, Sandusky, Ohio. Online condolences may be offered at www.walkerfuneralhomes.com.

The family would like to thank the staff and nurses at Stein Hospice, Guiding Hands Home Health Services and Magruder Hospital for their wonderful care and compassion shown to Dale and his family during his illness. Know that your kindness will not be forgotten.