Services: A Memorial Service will be held at the Rowayton Methodist Church, 180 Rowayton Avenue, on Saturday, September 24th. at 10 AM. Donations: In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Rowayton Hose Co. Rowayton, CT.
Douglas James Birchard
June 20, 1930 - September 19, 2011
Douglas James Birchard, age 81, of Norwalk, Ct passed away peacefully at home on Monday, September 19, 2011. Born in Yonkers, NY June 20, 1930 he was the son of the late James Elton Birchard and Alberta Burton Birchard. Mr. Birchard was a lifelong resident of Norwalk, having moved to Rowayton at the age of one. He attended Rowayton Elementary School, graduated from Norwalk High School in 1949, and served in the United States Navy as a SeaBee during the Korean War. Prior to retirement, he was a marine construction supervisor with Norwalk Marine Contractors. Mr. Birchard was honored to be a Life Member of the Rowayton Hose Company where he held rank of Lieutenant.
Douglas is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Patti Murphy Birchard. He also leaves behind his brother, Robert T. Birchard and his wife Ann of Rowayton, CT. Doug’s legacy includes his children Gary L. Birchard, Robert J. Birchard and his wife Donna, Lori B. Ungemack, Wendy B. Gaipa and her husband Thomas, and Suellan P. Birchard. He is loved by his grandchildren, Robert M. Birchard, Kimberly Birchard, Elizabeth Birchard, Jessica Birchard, Samantha Birchard, Corrie Ungemack Angell and her husband Mikel, Emily Ungemack, Christopher Ungemack, Eliza Ungemack, Timothy Gaipa, Daniel Gaipa and Casey Gaipa, as well as his two great grandchildren Christopher Angell and Emma Angell. Not to be forgotten are his devoted canine companions, Tiger, Bella and Buddy.
Dougie, known for his love of family, his humor, his character and his striking blue eyes will be dearly and deeply missed by all who have known him.
In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Rowayton Hose Co. Rowayton, CT
” We are tied to the ocean. And when we go back to the sea, whether it is to sail or to watch – we are going back from whence we came.”
John F. Kennedy
A Memorial Service will be held at the Rowayton Methodist Church, 180 Rowayton Avenue, on Saturday, September 24th. at 10 AM.
To all the Birchard’s, I am so sorry for the Loss of Doug,he was a great man who always had a smile on his face and lived his life to the fullest. he will be missed by many he fits the phrase”Back in the day when ships were made of wood and men were made of Iron” R.I.P Dougie
We are so sorry for your loss. Sending hugs to everybody! Love, The Ice’s
Wendy, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, Soul Sister. I feel for you! At least Dad is at peace and you have so many wonderful memories. Love, Lynn
Wendy and family, I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your dad. The tribute here to him shows what a loving and respected man he was. May he live in your memory and may you all find peace and comfort at this time. My sincere sympathy to you all. I am unable to attend the service on Saturday, but know my thoughts and prayers will be with you all. Marion Bouffard GES
Wendy and family, I’m so sorry for your loss, my thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Doug was a great guy who will be missed by all who knew him. I worked with Dougie for years and he taught me a great deal of what I know now and would never hesitate to give you the shirt off his back if you needed it. The world was a better place for having him in our lives. Our condolences to Doug’s family. He will be looking over us 
Dear Wendy and family, I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. Time will heal, and memories will keep his love alive in your hearts. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Velva Posca
Pat and the entire Birchard Family, My thoughts and prayers are with you all, Doug was a force of nature and will be missed by everyone. I remember his being so fun as a kid and then later as an adult he reminded me of being a kid and having fun. Thanks Doug.
My deepest to condolences on the loss of Doug. He was a wonderful man whom I feel priviliged to have known. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this difficult time.
One by one we are losing the people we grew up looking up to. RIP Doug.
Sorry for your loss, he was truely a great guy, who has a wonderful family… Your in our prayers. Love always, Michael & Sharon Czegledi Sr Michael & Laura Czegledi Jr
Bob, Gary and family, My heartfelt condolences. Lots of great memories over many years.
Dear Robert, our hearts and prayers go out to you, Donna and your family. Deepest sympathy Gabe, Dawn, and family.
Suellen & all you wonderful family, He lives on thru you and all your siblings and extended family. Much love and compassion, Jo
My dear Bobby and family, I am saddened to hear of your loss. I know only too well having lost my father at the beginning of this year what you must be going through. Have faith that your father is in God’s loving arms and is happy.
Lighting a candle at our house. Sending you strength and loving memories. Big hug Suellan! Hanzie
My family and I would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to the entire Birchard family. Doug will be greatly missed. He was a wonderful guy. It was an honor and privlege to know him. I’ve always had the utmost respect for him, and I really liked him so much. Doug, like all the Birchard family, are like family to me and always will be.
Please accept our sincere sympathy with the loss of your father/husband. I have very fond memories of walking into your home,and seeing your Dad,sitting in the den,right there,surrounded by women! In that beautiful house by the beach he loved. Take good care of yourselves and let your memories remind you of all the happy times your family shared. Sincerely,Tim,Lisa and Randi McCarthy