Mr. Joseph William "Joe" Byrd

Mr. Joseph William “Joe” Byrd, age 90, of Utica, went home to heaven to be with his wife when he passed away on Friday, January 8, 2016 at the Betsy Ross Nursing and Rehabilitation Center with the love of his family in his heart. Born on June 19, 1925, Joseph was the son of the late Joseph W. and Elsie Byrd. He was born in the Bedford Stuyvesant section of Brooklyn, NY, an area landmarked as a rich tapestry of Black American history. Raised and educated in Utica, he graduated from Utica Free Academy and attended MVCC. A proud veteran of the United States Army, he honorably served his country during World War II stationed in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations. In November of 1958, he married the former Roberta Williams with whom he shared 43 years; they loved one another, and Joe cared for the needs of his family. Roberta passed away on January 18, 2001. Joe was employed as a contractor for a number of local companies including Laino Brothers Construction Company and B&B Sanitation. He later held a position at the Utica Transit Authority in the Bus Maintenance Department, and subsequently worked for the City of Utica in several capacities, most notably in the Department of Public Works and designed the trash collection routes used in Utica. During his retirement years, Joe was dedicated in his job as a driver for Head Start. He was a loyal, hard-working, industrious employee,good co-worker and wise supervisor. who made things happen. As a dad, Joe asked his children to appreciate education and understand the importance of recognizing it as a game-changer for achieving their future goals. He loved his community and strived for the well-being of all Uticans. Joe often wrote editorials that were published in the Observer-Dispatch and fought for and encouraged everyone to exercise their right to vote for the progress and prosperity of the community. He was a board member of Community Action Inc. and was a local leader of A. Philip Randolph Institute and CORE. He also loved various music and enjoyed friendly games of pinochle card parties with family and friends. He was the co-owner of the MB & B Social Club. He was a member of the American Legion Post #229 and was a Mason in the Free and Accepted Modern Masons Organization where he held a leadership position of Worshipful Master. He was a member of St. Matthew Temple Church of God in Christ. The hallmark and highlight of Joe’s life was his vision and fruition of the Utica “Screeming Eagles”, a premier drill team that rose to a dream team and the only group to participate in the Macy’s Day Parade for 2 consecutive years! Joe’s timing was perfect: he observed and critiqued marching bands, mixed in his own magic, and the “aristocrats of precision drill” made their moves to the top. Joe effectively stylized the routines — they were BAAAD!!! In a recent article in the “Greater Utica” magazine entitled “The Aristocrats of Precision Drill”, the story takes us back in time sharing accolades of former members of the “Screeming Eagles”. They expressed their glory and pride in being part of a sixty-plus member drill team that performed “flawlessly” and the respect they had for their director and mentor, Joe Byrd. They also point out that there was no negativity in the drill team, only words like perfect, flawless, earned, motivated, self-respect, pride, honor, dedication, self-confidence, prestige, teamwork, structure, and discipline. Joe was a ‘little giant Teddy bear’, his stature was small but his heart was so big; he really cared about them. Joe was someone they could go to with their issues, he listened to their problems and helped them. As the author states, “There are those who have given to our community things that are priceless, things that could not be bought or bequeathed. These people should be equally recognized for having nothing else to give their community except for their heart and everything that goes along with it”. Joe knew that… and he proved it. Joseph is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Renee B. and Terah Isiahiliza of TX; his sons, Joseph William Byrd III and Michele Chapple, Justin N. Byrd, and Harold Carr, all of Utica, and helped raise Justin Clark of Utica; and adored his final victory, in granddaughter Roberta “Robbie” Byrd. He will also be remembered by his nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins (especially Anna Byrd), and his in-laws, Jerry P. Williams, Richard L. “Jughead” Williams, and Melvin Williams. Joe was also blessed with many friends throughout his life, especially grateful for Mary Anne (LoGalbo) Taverne who stepped in as a daughter. He was predeceased by a sister “Skippy” and niece Jennifer Mitchell; Regina Grimes Hines who was like a daughter; and his in-laws, Charles Williams, and Daisy Williams. The family extends sincere thanks to the staff of the Betsy Ross Nursing Home who cared for Joseph with love and exceptional care over 10 years. A note of gratitude is given to Kristine Cedano, and Malique Green who were Joe’s caretakers for numerous years. A Memorial Gathering and visitation will be held on Friday from 10:00-12:00 noon at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Joseph’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Friday at 12:00 noon at the funeral home immediately upon conclusion of visitation with Rev. James Griffin officiating the ceremony with military honors conferred.

Mr. Joseph William "Joe" Byrd

June 19, 1925 - January 8, 2016