Obituary of Richard G. Birdsall

Colonie- Richard Birdsall, a truly selfless and caring man, died Monday August 9th in his home after an eight month battle with small-cell lung cancer. He was 76. Richard, know as Dick by most, is survived by his loving family including his mother Zola Lee Kreiger, his half-sister Pat, his wife of 53 years, Barbara Lansley Birdsall, their children Robert (Mary), Jim (Jill), and Nancy (John) Bacon, their seven grandchildren, two step-grandchildren, expected great-grandchild, and four step-great-grandchildren. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins. He is predeceased by stepfather William Kreiger and his sister Jean Birdsall Conklin. Dick worked at Dott's Garage for twenty-five years in the body shop and as a 24/7 on-call, tow truck driver. He worked at Janitronics for twenty-four years, doing a little bit of everything and whatever was needed around the office, retiring on several occasions for short periods of time before returning to work. He retired, finally, earlier this year. Outside of his career, Dick helped countless individuals and groups, volunteering his time for the benefit of the community and his family. He was a dedicated Communicant of Community Reformed Church of Colonie, known for serving coffee and chatting with fellow Church members following the morning service. Dick volunteered for the Foodshare for many years, organizing and assisting with deliveries. He also belonged to the Roessleville School Alumni Association. In the past couple years, Dick and Barbara volunteered a great deal of time to garage-sale shopping, collecting and delivering items for the Battered Women's Shelter. Their home garage became a storage unit for donations and purchased items which they would deliver in the small quantities that fit into their mini-van, making frequent trips to various locations. Dick had a wonderful sense of humor and was known for his playful joking and liveliness, treating strangers as friends and offering his services without hesitation. The infamous "box of $50's" was a running joke that continued even into his chemotherapy treatments. Whenever anyone asked him if he needed anything, he would always reply, no matter how serious the situation, "How about a box of $50's?" Dick and Barbara loved to visit music circles in Schenectady and Delmar, listening to local musicians play their instruments. He also had a passion for John Wayne films and Johnny Cash. Dick Birdsall was a loving husband, caring father and a wonderful role model for his family. He was one of the hardest working people this world has known and was a great friend to all that met him. Relatives and friends are invited to attend funeral services on Friday at 11 AM at Community Reformed Church of Colonie. Calling hours will be Thursday from 5 PM to 8 PM at New Comer-Cannon Funeral Home. Burial will be in Evergreen Memorial Park Colonie Contributions in Dick's memory can be made to New York Oncology Hematology or the Community Reformed Church of Colonie. In his last few months, he raised over $3000 for New York Oncology Hematology, providing families with funding for treatment if they were unable to afford it.