Birnie F. Bickford, 88, died Thursday April 15 ^th with his wife of 62 years by his side. A Springfield native, the son of the late George and Louise (McLellan) Bickford. He gained entry to the Army, with the help of his brother George who forged their mother's signature, where he served as a paratrooper in the 82 ^nd Airborne. Birnie owned Bickford Aluminum before he and his family relocated to Sunapee, NH where he operated Bickford's on the Harbor. He later moved to Juno Beach, FL before returning to South Hadley. Birnie was an avid cribbage player travelling the country and competing in tournaments with brother George. A devoted husband, loving father, grandfather and great grandfather, he will be remembered for his sense of humor and passion for cooking.  He leaves his wife Pat (Kane) Bickford, daughter Kathleen Wilson, son Birnie Bickford II, four grandchildren Lindsey Camp ,Jacob and Zachary Wilson and Birnie Bickford III, two great grandchildren Shane and Tucker Camp and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister Barbara Meliti and his brother George Bickford. The calling hours will be Wednesday April 21 ^st from 4:00 to 7:00pm at the Curran-O'Brien Funeral Home, 33 Lamb St., South Hadley. Family and friends may meet at St. Patrick's Church on Thursday April 22 ^nd at 11:00 am for the funeral Mass. Committal services at the Mass Veteran's Cemetery will take place at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project .For more information please go to curranobrien.com.