Obituary of Richard L. Hirsch

Richard L. Hirsch, 72, of Freehold Township, a kind and gentle man, passed away on Sunday, March 7, 2010 at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York City after a brave battle with leukemia. He was born in Evansville, Indiana and was predeceased by his parents, Joseph and Olivia Effinger Hirsch, and a sister, Judy Peppers. Surviving are his loving wife of 43 years, Roberta Seamon Hirsch; a son, Brian Hirsch, Freehold Township, and his girlfriend, Phyllis Ruggiero; a daughter, Allison Hirsch, Santa Monica, California; a sister and brother-in-law, Carol and John Martinkovitch, Lake Ariel, Pennsylvania; a brother, Carl Hirsch, Placentia, California; and many faithful friends including Father Michael Brizio of St. Rose of Lima Church who carried him through his illness. He received a Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Evansville and a M.B.A from Seton Hall University, retiring from IBM Corporation after a 32 year career in finance. He was a communicant of St. Rose of Lima R.C. Church where he was a Eucharistic Minister and Lector for 25 years. He served in the U.S. Army during the Berlin and Cuban Missile Crisis; was president of the Newman Club, Catholic Young Adult Club, and Freehold Lions Club; an officer in the IBM Quarter Century Club; and a leader in St. Rose of Lima Troop No. 18, Boy Scouts of America. In retirement he became a Master Gardener in Monmouth County enjoying his love of gardening and making many new friends. Visiting hours will be held at the Higgins Memorial Home, 20 Center Street, Freehold on Wednesday from 2:00 to 4:00 and 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. The Funeral Liturgy will be celebrated at St. Rose of Lima Church on Thursday at 10:00 a.m. followed by interment at the parish cemetery. While a love of flowers has been a part of his life, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, Hope Lodge, 132 West 32nd Street, New York, NY 10001.