CRAIG/FLAGLER PALMS FUNERAL HOME
511 Old Kings Road South
Palm Coast, Florida

Richard J. Birdsall



Richard J. Birdsall, 99 of Palm Coast, passed away June 20, 2022 at The Azure of Palm Coast.

Mr. Birdsall was born February 10, 1923 in New York City, the son of Anson and Cornelia Werner Birdsall.

After graduating from high school, he was drafted into the United States Army, and was stationed in Europe during World War II. He received an honorable discharge and started teaching after obtaining his degree from Iona College. He taught American history for 32 years in Teaneck, N.J. He always considered teaching to be his calling in life. He often said, “God gave me the talent to be able to talk to kids. I teach kids to find their talents.”

After his retirement, he and his wife Evelyn moved from Ridgefield Park, New Jersey to Palm Coast in 1980. Mr. Birdsall was a member of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church. He enjoyed golfing, carving, and creating stained glass art. He continued to use his talent as a teacher by volunteering in various Palm Coast schools. He mentored many students and taught them to play chess. Over the years he carved hundreds of Santa Clauses and handed them out to the students at Christmas.

His wife of 74 years, the former Evelyn Bilek, passed away January 27, 2022.

He is survived by two daughters, Jane Murphy and her husband Paul of Oxford, PA., and Ellen Freedley of Jacksonville FL., six grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, and loving caregivers, Tiffany and Jon Santiago.

Besides his wife and parents, he is preceded in death by two sons, David, and Peter Birdsall.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his name to the St. Gerard Campus, 1405 US-1 St. Augustine FL 32084

Family and friends will be invited to a memorial service planned for September 10, 2022 at 1:00 PM at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church Columbarium.