Richard "Bird" Leal

Richard “Bird” Leal born November 8, 1944 in Worcester, MA passed away
peacefully at home in Agawam, MA on December 27, 2025. Bird was a character
with a big personality if you knew him you loved him, he attended Agawam High
School where he was a three-sport star in Basketball, Track & Field and Golf.
After graduating from there he had a great career at Coca-Cola for 33 years
starting as a Driver and working his way up the company ladder to Salesman and
Management, he had a passion for life, loved to gamble and his number one love
other than family was golf. He was known as “The Best Putter in Western Mass”
winning numerous tournaments the past 50 years throughout our region and
even at 81 years old was still shooting lower than his age. He will be missed by
many and leaves with no regrets having lived a fun life and making people around
him always feeling good about themselves. The world needs more Bird’s in it!

He was preceded in death by his parents Roger & Evelyn Poirier, his brother Ted
Leal and is survived by his wife of 59 years Kathy (Zdeb) Leal, Daughter Tammy
Leal, Sons Rick, Wayne and Keith Leal, Stepbrother Joseph Afzal,
Granddaughter’s Taylor Schmidt, Gina Bird Leal, Sophia Leal and Grandson Finn
Leal.

A celebration of Bird’s life will held on Sunday January 11, 2026 at the Buccaneer
Lounge 86 Maple Street Agawam, MA 01001 from 2:00 pm-6:00 pm. Bring your
best stories this is not a funeral this is a celebration of all the great times we had
with him. In lieu of flowers the family asks friends to consider donations in
memory of Bird to Tee it up for the Troops a golfing organization that helps our
Wounded Veterans and families. https://teeitupforthetroops.org/