Frederick F. Bird, 89, of Bedford died on November 13, 2016, in Bedford with his loving family by his side.

He was born in Nutley, New Jersey, on April 28, 1927, the son of the late Millard F. and Margaretta (Lurrsen) Bird.

He came to Massachusetts in 1944 and received his degree in Electrical Engineering from MIT in1948.

He was employed as an electrical engineer with Arthur D. Little, Allied Research and eventually with Raytheon, where he worked on the Patriot Missile launcher.

After over 30 years in Lexington, MA, he and his wife moved to Bedford, where they lived for the last 26 years, residing at Carleton-Willard Village for the last eight.

Fred loved Vermont and spent much time in Middlebury at the family log cabin in Hartland and summers in Charlotte on Lake Champlain, where the sounds of his beautiful accordion could sometimes be heard.

Fred will be remembered for his deep devotion to his beloved wife of 63 years, Shirin (Heinrichs), his loving children, daughter Patricia Waters and her husband, Richard of Concord and son, David Bird of Nashua, NH and four cherished grandchildren, Andrew, Emily, Matthew and Alec Waters. He also leaves behind has dog, Oliver.

He was predeceased by his brother, Richard K. Bird.

A memorial service will be held at Carleton-Willard Village, 100 Old Billerica Rd., Bedford, on Saturday, November 19, at 2pm.

For those who wish, memorial contributions may be made to Carleton-Willard Employee Appreciation Fund, 100 Old Billerica Rd., Bedford, MA 01730.