Friday, November 6, 2026
Roy Birkeland, 98, of Rockford, Michigan, died on August 23 at home surrounded by his family.
Roy was a generous and optimistic spirit who warmly befriended anyone who came his way. He always seemed content in life to just be in whatever situation he was in. He didn’t question things but trusted that how they seemed was how they were, and that this was all he needed to navigate life.
Roy had a way of making people feel that they belonged no matter who they were. He accepted people. His was a kindness and compassion, enhanced by his Faith in a loving God. It truly was an expression of who he was and people were drawn to him because of this.
Roy was also one of those people who would not let life grind him down. Despite all the infirmities of age, he never got bitter. He would often be seen persevering with a magnifying glass as he hen-pecked email responses to friends in Florida. He was always cheerful. Happy to be alive. Looking out for other people. He was a courageous example for anyone who is getting older every year.
Roy’s love of the outdoors had been lifelong, with an early dream of working for the US Forest Service. Annually, he would scrounge and save to provide for a two-week family summer vacation away from NY City to the wilderness and pines of Maine. This is where he created some of his children’s fondest memories.
During his last few years in Michigan, Roy marveled at the birds attracted to his many feeders and enjoyed the wildlife visits captured on a trail cam just outside his sliding door. He avidly followed the Yankees, even while living in Tigers territory.
Roy was born in New York City to Ted and Laura Birkeland and lived in the shadows of Yankee Stadium for years. After graduation from Howard Taft High School, he began working at the NY Times in Manhattan, first as an “office boy”, then retiring 45 years later as a manager in the classified advertising department. Raising his family in Queens, New York, Roy traveled the rush hour daily, by bus and train, to consistently provide for the family, all of those years.
Roy was an always-present father to his three children, Teresa, Paul (and Ceci Cordova), and Peter (and Julie). He often tearfully expressed pride and appreciation for his children. Roy has six grandchildren: Kelly (and Kurt), Adam (and Julia), Sophia, Anna, Ailey (and Avalon), and Clare; and two great-grandchildren (Ava and Cole). He would lovingly part from them after a visit, with his signature “Be Good To Yourself” advice.
Having lost his own father at age 22, Roy lovingly looked after his mother before he got married. Upon marrying Margaret (Albro), he was drafted into the US Army, where he served in Alaska during the Korean War. Alaska had always remained near and dear to his heart.
Losing his wife Margaret when he was 55, Roy spent weekends and eventually his early retirement years at a home in the Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania. In 1992, he married Patricia Giery, a friend from his NY Times days, who had lost her husband as well. They eventually moved to Marco Island, Florida, where Roy lived for 25 years.
On Marco Island, Roy immersed himself as an officer of the local Rotary, and as a founding member and officer of the Marco Island Fire Rescue Foundation, an organization created to provide support for the city’s firemen and EMTs. He was well known in Marco Island social circles and helped organize the “Christmas Island Style” parade and festival every year, along with other social events throughout the year.
Age and health nudged Roy and Pat’s move to Michigan in 2017, where he lived with his son. Roy visited Pat regularly prior to her death in 2021, taking a local dial-a-ride service on his own, so as to not inconvenience anyone.
Memorial donations may be directed to the Marco Island Fire Rescue Association, 1280 San Marco Rd., Marco Island, FL 34145.
August 27, 2026 Coastal Breeze News
