Robert M. Bird, III

Robert Montgomery Bird III of Kennett Square, PA passed away peacefully in his home on May 8th, 2023, at age 79. He was born on June 29th in Charlottesville, VA. Bob spent his younger years in Waynesboro, VA, and Camden SC, and at age seven moved to Wilmington, DE where the family settled on Brecks Lane.  

Bob attended high school at Tower Hill and was a proud supporter of the school throughout his life. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Ohio Wesleyan and a master’s degree from the University of Pittsburg in English Literature. Following graduation, he moved to New York City to pursue a career in Advertising, where he spent over 30 years in the industry and met his wife of 53 years Duval Jennings Bird.  

In 2002 Bob returned to his childhood home of Wilmington, DE. In 2003 he opened the Wilmington office of Home Instead Senior Care. Bob was a true advocate for seniors and was known for his training and expertise in dementia and Alzheimer’s care. He also served as the President of the Delaware Association for Home and Community Care from 2012 until 2020. 

Bob was an accomplished jazz drummer, who never stopped playing, and always had a set of drum sticks close by. He was a strong supporter of music education and served on the Board of the Choir School in Wilmington, DE. 

He loved being on the basketball court but was most at home in the kitchen where there were no rules and recipes were rarely followed. The Bird House was always welcoming and known for its flavorful food, wine, and great debate.  

He is survived by his wife Duval Jennings Bird, his three daughters, Laura Duval Bird, Allison Bird Sullivan, and Kendall Whitlock Bird, his sister Peyton Bird Sise, and his brother John Woodbridge Bird. In addition, his sons-in-law, Michael Harrison Sullivan, and Alejandro Santiago Fresquez, and his grandchildren, Kieran Robert Sullivan, Cora Emerson Sullivan, and Michael Quinn Sullivan. 

A private memorial service will be held at a date yet to be announced. In lieu of flowers, kindly donate to a charity of your choice that supports education and equity. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Robert M. Bird, III, please visit our floral store.