Henry Byrd Obituary

Henry Clavon Byrd III, affectionately known as "Byrd," was born on October 22, 1956, at Barnet Hospital in Paterson, New Jersey. He was the seventh of eight children born to Earlene Ogletree-Byrd and Henry Clavon Byrd II. Clavon's early years were shaped by the love and guidance of his Grandmother, Luttie Ogletree, and his late aunts and uncles, Lanzy and Josephine Hansford, and Alonzo and Dolores Byrd. Educated in the Paterson Public School System, Clavon was a standout football player at John F. Kennedy High School, earning All-State recognition. During the 1975 season alone, he scored nine touchdowns and made six defensive interceptions. His athletic excellence earned him the opportunity to play college football, first in Virginia, then later at Ramapo College of New Jersey, where he graduated in 1983 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
Clavon's athletic achievements were remarkable. He earned the Mid-East Football Conference All League Award in 1981 for his play with the New Jersey Rams semi-pro team and was inducted into the Ramapo College Hall of Fame in 2019. A four-year member of the Ramapo College football team, Clavon excelled as a running back and defensive back for the two-time Football Bowl Champions in 1977 and 1978. In 2024, Clavon was honored at the 100th Annual Eastside vs. Kennedy Thanksgiving Game as one of Paterson's 100 Best Players. He truly enjoyed attending that game every year.
Beyond the field, Clavon was a man of many talents: a former special education teacher, coach, entrepreneur, and technology solutions specialist. He dedicated his career to developing innovative, value-driven solutions that optimized business efficiency. With over 20 years of experience in direct sales and over 10 years in management, Clavon believed that true success comes from aligning value with purpose. He later retired from Little Ivy Academy in Ridgewood, NJ, where he served as a solutions specialist. In that role, he negotiated contracts and expanded STEM programs in K–8 school districts and summer camps throughout the metropolitan area. He often expressed, "Our children can excel in many areas beyond athletics and the performing arts. They need someone to care for and invest in their well-being."
In the community, Clavon was known to all as "Coach Byrd." He was a beloved mentor, leader, and friend, whose smile and charisma lit up every room he entered. A devoted and protective husband, father, grandfather, brother, nephew, uncle and friend, Clavon found immense joy spending time with his grandchildren, who affectionately called him "Papa." Clavon loved going to family events and watching his children and grandchildren play sports and made sure he was the loudest person in the stands. He loved music, dancing, and cheering on his favorite football team, the Pittsburgh Steelers, always proudly dressed in black and yellow.
Clavon was preceded in death by his parents, Earlene Ogletree-Byrd and Henry Clavon Byrd II; grandmother Luttie W. Ogletree; brothers Irving Henderson, Ernie Hughes, Robert Ogletree, Sanford "Vamp" Ogletree, and Michael Ogletree; sister Avery D. Byrd; nephew Omari Hughes; and dear friends Michael Williams and Kenny Douglas. Clavon was also preceded in death by his beloved mother- and father-in-law, Joyce Ardena (Arrington) Williams and Willie T. Williams.
He leaves to cherish his memory: his devoted wife Ardena B. Byrd of Hawthorne, NJ; sons Rashad Clavon Byrd and Devon A. Byrd of Paterson; daughter Altisha L. Byrd- Glaster and son-in-law Amir Glaster of Haledon; and his beloved grandchildren Giana Byrd, Kayden Harrison, Justus Clavon Byrd, and Nasir Glaster. He is also survived by his sister Elaine Henderson of Bloomfield, NJ; sisters-in-law Rosa (Randy) Williams Hopkins, Yvette (Richard) Blair of Paterson, Altisha (James) Green of Raleigh, NC; Vernita Chalmers Ogletree of Passaic, and Rosemary Griggs-Ogletree of Lodi, nephews: Jakeem Henderson, Sanford Ogletree Jr., Emoni Blair, and Richard Blair; nieces Rahsona Elder, Khadijah Ogletree, Shekina Chalmers-Zambrano, Tiana Torres- Arroyo, Dominiqué Blair, Ciarra Blair, and Whitney (Michael) Lluen; special cousins Virginia Abrams and Jimmy Ogletree; as well as a host of great nieces, great-nephews, extended family, goddaughter Neesh Williams, bonus granddaughter Tanisha Marquez, bonus grandson Lyndon Fabor, and cherished friends. Clavon shared an unbreakable bond with his brother-in-law Richard Blair, a friendship that spanned over forty years. He also leaves behind countless loyal friends-too many to name-but each of whom he held dear in his heart.
Henry Clavon Byrd III will be remembered for his strength, compassion, humor, and boundless love for his family, community, and the game he loved. His legacy will live on in the many lives he touched.
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