Kirsch

Harry Alan Kirsch, 71, of Adams Township, passed away in the arms of his loving family on Saturday afternoon, Aug. 24, 2024.

Born Dec, 23, 1952, in Pittsburgh, he was the son of the late Harry E. Kirsch and Gertrude Solman Kirsch.

Harry was known to be an exceptionally thoughtful and hard worker, and meticulous in any job he undertook. He started his work life as a teenager when he purchased a dump truck and introduced himself as a 16-year-old to construction sites in Pittsburgh. On graduating from high school and starting a young family, Harry moved on to driving tractor trailers hauling freight and eventually to driving for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. During his time there, he attended Community College of Allegheny College, earned his associate degree and started Kirsch Heating and Cooling. After 20 years of providing excellent service to his many customers with his business, he joined the Steamfitters and retired from Service Equipment in 2015 to care for his father. Throughout his career, he was a strong advocate of workers’ rights and an active union member.

One of the greatest passions in Harry’s life besides his family, friends and a job well done, was music. He started drumming at the age of 10 after his father told him he had good rhythm when tapping along to a Beatles album and never stopped. He studied, practiced and played in bands of many kinds over the years, instilling his love of music in his family, and making many lasting connections along the way.

Harry’s reach in life was warm and wide, and he was known for his boundless generosity and dedication to those he loved and anyone he met whom he could help. Once he was a friend, he was a friend for life. And from a young age, he provided an example of connection, patience and support for others. His devotion to his family was unmatched, and they are forever grateful to have experienced the joy, love and fierce support and protection that was a part of their world with him.

Harry is survived by his devoted wife of 54 years, Christine Wauchter Kirsch. He was the cherished father of Heidi Kirsch Thomas (Linard Thomas II) and Jill Kirsch Beach; and the beloved grandfather of Juliet and Genevieve Thomas and Mina Jane and Banker Harry Beach. He also is survived by son-in-law, Banker Beach III; brother of the heart, Joe Bauer; sister-in-law, Jane Bickel (Michael); brother-in-law, Mark Nard; and nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by sister-in-law, Linda Nard.

KIRSCH — Family and friends of Harry Alan Kirsch, who died Saturday, Aug. 24, 2024, will be welcomed from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 6, at MCDONALD-AEBERLI FUNERAL HOME, 238 Crowe Ave., Mars.

A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 7, at Saint Kilian Catholic Church, 7076 Franklin Road, Cranberry Township. Please meet at the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Directions and condolences are available at www.mcdonald-aeberli.com.

Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.