Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Elias Bird Obituary
May 31, 1940 - April 29, 2010
Elias Neal Bird, Music and Entertainment entrepreneur and executive passed away of severe respiratory illness on April 29, 2010 with his children, grandchildren, brother, sister and extended family by his side.
Eli, as he was known, was born on May 31, 1940 in Cleveland, OH. He attended Western Reserve University and upon graduation entered the music business in 1964. Eli moved to Los Angeles in 1966 with his wife and family to continue a career in the Music Industry that spanned four decades with executive positions at Liberty, United Artist and Playboy records.
In 1977, Eli started what then became the Network Magazine Group which included The Album Network, The Network 40, The Urban Network and the Network Broadcast Department which were industry leading trade music publications and network radio syndication. In 2000, Eli retired and spent time with his family and doing philanthropic work.
Eli is survived by his four children, Neal (Brianne), Nancy, Matthew (Deborah) and Jessica; his four grandchildren, Nicole, Olivia, Rachel and Gavin; Sister Judy Brungo (John), Brother Bruce (deceased), and Brother Gary (Valerie).
The family grieves for his passing and we cherish all of the incredible memories we have had together.
In lieu of flowers, on Eli's behalf, memorial gifts may be made to St. Joseph Center of Venice - http://www.stjosephctr.org and St. Jude of Memphis, TN - http://www.stjude.org - For St. Jude please use reference code: 26019591
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Elias Bird
May 20, 2010
I hadn't had a chance to officially sign Eli's guestbook, but I will forever have a gaping hole where Eli once stood. He touched my life in a way that made me who I am today. Having worked for Eli, as his "gal" for 16 years...it was my priviledge and honor to have been chosen as part of the "family." He is and always will be like a father to me. To E... I miss you already. Say hello to dad for me! Much love to the family of Eli, each and every one of you. Peace, Vanessa Roccki
Desiree Stich/Schuon/Lev/Rhodes!
May 19, 2010
May 19, 2010
It is with great sorrow that I send Gary, Neal and all of the Bird family my sincerest sympathy at the passing of Eli. I will never forget my time with all of you at Network 40/Album Network and my memories of Eli as always being so incredibly cool, sage, and charming in not only his business persona but in his overall "way"...it was always clear where Neal got it! Gary, I think of you often, my friend, and please know my thoughts are with you and all of your family in your time of mourning.
Best always,
Desiree
Russ Bach
May 12, 2010
I was taken back with seeing Eli's picture in the obituary page of the LA Times. Eli and I worked together in about 1966 when he came to Chicago as Branch Manager of Liberty Records. At that time, I was a Promotion "Man" for Liberty in the Chicago-land area. Neil and I got along famously and I remember many visits with his family and ours during those days in Chicago. I then followed Neil out to LA for Liberty in 1969, and we again worked together and had many visits at our homes in Woodland Hills.
Eli went his own way in the music business as did I. Whenever we would meet at conventions or industry meetings we always had our memories together to fall back on. Eli was always gracious no matter how successful he became. As we had lost contact over these last many years, I was shocked to read that he had suffered during these ensuing years. I will always remember his love of family and of the music business.
God bless Eli and his family.
Susie Clark
May 11, 2010
Sharon: My heart is with you and all your family and friends who grieve the loss of an apparently well loved, amazing human being. My love to you and all your family during this time of grief. Hold tight to the memories which are the best comfort of all and where you may find peace. Keep the light on, he may swing by! I love you forever. Susie
May 11, 2010
I am shocked and sorry to hear this news. I'll always keep my "PAL" in my heart and prayers............Dennis Ganim
May 11, 2010
My Prayers are with you Neal abd Nancy. God Bless you and your family. Love to all Cynthia
Doré Chodorow
May 10, 2010
Dear Neal, Nancy and Sharon,
Seeing Eli in the photo you have chosen fills me with memories of a very handsome, brilliant, hilariously funny and complex man......he called me
Dorit.....he made me laugh.....he loved
his family more than anything on earth. I hope that as time passes, that you will be left with warm and loving memories of an incredible man, self-made, and keep him and his spirit in your hearts forever.
I loved Eli and I love each of you in
such a special way. It pains me greatly that I will be unable to be with you for his well deserved memorial. I will be with you in my heart and in my thoughts.
Auntie Doré
Doug & Char Ganim
May 10, 2010
We pray for his soul & for all his family. We are so greatful that he no longer is suffering. What a life of accomplishments he's had
May 10, 2010
WHAT A SHOCK.. .WHEN DARRYL AND I THINK OF EI IT IS ELI,SHARON,NEAL AND NANCY. IT SEEMS AS IF IT WAS YESTERDAY WHEN EMBURY WAS THE WONDERFUL STREET FOR GREAT PEOPLE. OUR HEARTFELT SYMPATHY GOES TO HIS FAMILY.NOTHING CAN TAKE FROM US THE WEALTH OF WONDERFUL MEMORIES. DARRYL & LYNDA STOLPER
Showing 1 - 9 of 9 results
Make a Donation
in Elias Bird's name
Memorial Events
for Elias Bird
How to support Elias's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Elias Bird's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
