ROCKLAND — William S. Bird “Bill”, 84, passed away Sunday, February 2, 2025, after a brief illness. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and friend, Bill leaves behind a legacy of love, hard work, and generosity.

Born in Rockland, Maine, on July 20, 1940, Bill was the son of Theodore S. and Ruth L. Bird. He was educated in Rockland schools and attended Peekskill Military Academy before graduating from Rockland High School. He later attended Burdett College in Boston, Massachusetts. Here is where he met Janet M. Carbone, and they later married on November 25, 1961 at Our Lady Queen of Peace in Boothbay Harbor. Together, they built a loving home and raised their four children in Rockland. After Janet’s passing in 2006, Bill resided in Warren, Maine, while spending winters in Florida.

A visionary businessman, Bill launched his entrepreneurial career in the 1970s where he established Pik-Qwik convenience stores, expanding throughout Maine. Over the years, he developed numerous other businesses which included restaurants, delis, dry-cleaning establishments and redemption centers, to name a few. Later in life, Bill transitioned into commercial and residential real estate development. He was a respected leader throughout the community. Over the years, Bill was an active member of the Rockland Elks Club as well as other organizations such as the Rockland Chamber of Commerce and Associated Grocers of Maine. He was a generous supporter of many community organizations.

Beyond his business ventures, Bill’s greatest joy was spending time with family and friends. He had a passion for adventure, whether boating, snowmobiling, hunting, or traveling. His grandchildren affectionately called him “Bump” and he delighted in teaching them the game of poker, often reminding them, “If it’s worth a call, it’s worth a raise.” He loved hosting gatherings, especially his famous surf and turf feasts featuring lobster and ribeye. Bill embraced life with enthusiasm, always at the heart of any celebration, making memories with those he cherished most.

He is survived by his children: Nancy Vannah and her husband Michael of Warren, Robert Bird of Thomaston, Kathleen Hall and her husband Howard “Chip” of Wells, and Christine Rocchio of Lincoln, Rhode Island. He was a proud grandfather to Steven and his wife Erin, Jessica and her husband Joshua, Howard “Jensen” and his wife Jennifer, Nickolas, Andrew, Lukas, Mason, and Jonathan, and a beloved great-grandfather to Graysen, Charlie, Wyatt, and Forrest.

He is also survived by his brothers, Lawrence Bird of Rockland and Henry Bird and wife, Bobbi, of Bonita Springs, Florida; his loving partner and friend, Gertrude Small of Bonita Springs, Florida; as well as many extended family members and dear friends.

Bill’s warmth, wisdom, and unwavering love for family and friends will be deeply missed but never forgotten. Bill would want his final parting words to his family and friends to be “Tootaloo!”

Friends and relatives are invited to visit Tuesday, February 11, 2025, from 4 to 6 p.m., at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock Street, Rockland.

A funeral service will be held Wednesday, February 12, at 11 a.m., at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church, 150 Broadway, Rockland. To view a live-stream of the service, please visit Bill’s Book of Memories at www.bchfh.com, then ‘Photos and Videos’ tab, then ‘Watch Webcast’. If viewing on a mobile device, please scroll the bottom of the page and click, ‘Watch Webcast.

A private burial will follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Bill’s memory may be made to either, Rockland Rotary Club https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/in-loving-memory-of-william-s-birdub, P.O. Box 1811, Rockland, Maine, 04841, or the American Heart Association, U.S. Route One, Suite M, Scarborough, ME 04074. (Memo: IMO William Bird)