Dr. William J. Kirsch
September 18, 1935 January 5, 2021
Dr. William J. Kirsch, 85, of Roaring Spring, passed away Tuesday morning, January 5, 2021 at Conemaugh Nason Medical Center, Roaring Spring, PA.
He was born at Nason Hospital, son of the late William Wendelin and Ruth Magdalen (Lantzy) Kirsch. On October 29, 1983 he married June (Hougaard) Sullivan in St. Petersburg, FL.
Surviving are his beloved wife, June of 37 years; seven children: William (Chele) of Waukesha, WI, Kristin Tucker (Michael) of Las Vegas, NV, Warren (Jessica) of Baden, PA, Emily Pepka (Thomas) of Las Vegas, NV, Nicholas (Christina) of Pittsburgh, PA, Jonathan (Rachelle) of Beaverton, OR and Haldan of Roaring Spring, PA; 10 grandchildren: Mark Kirsch, Megan Kirsch, Kyle Tucker, Haley Tucker, Jackson Pepka, Amelia Pepka, Benjamin Pepka, Eloise Pepka, Joelle Kirsch and Norah Kirsch; and a brother, Dr. Kerry W. Kirsch (Juliana) of Ebensburg.
Dr. Kirsch was a 1953 graduate of Spangler High School, 1957 graduate of the Pennsylvania State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry and in 1961 completed his medical degree at the Georgetown University School of Medicine.
Following Georgetown, Bill began his internship at Conemaugh Valley Memorial Hospital in Johnstown, where he also served his residency for anatomic (surgical) pathology. In 1966 he finished his clinical pathology residency at Duke University Medical Center, and later that year received his board certification in clinical pathology. Dr. Kirsch also completed his board certifications in anatomic pathology in 1967 and nuclear medicine in 1972.
He served in the U.S. Navy Reserve from 1958-1969. Dr. Kirsch also served active duty U.S. Navy from 1966-1968 as Chief of Laboratory Services at the Memphis Naval Hospital, attaining the rank of Lieutenant Commander.
Dr. Kirsch retired as Director of Laboratories for Nason Hospital, Roaring Spring, following 32 years of service. He also served as a director, associate and consulting pathologist for the Altoona Hospital, Humana Sun Bay Hospital and Mercy/Bon Secours Hospital.
He was a member of St. Thomas More Catholic Church, Roaring Spring, where he served as the religious education instructor for 11th grade confirmation candidates. In 1990, Dr. Kirsch received the Prince Gallitzin Cross Award for the Altoona/Johnstown Diocese.
Bill served his community in various capacities including: the board of trustees for Nason Hospital, Bishop Guilfoyle High School Advisory Board of Education, Cove Community Chorus and was active in local Republican party and Tea party committees.
He loved spending time with his family and also enjoyed gardening, hunting, golfing, bee keeping and making wine.
A private funeral mass will be held for the family. A celebration of life service is being planned for a later date. Private inurnment will be at St. Nicholas Cemetery, Nicktown. Arrangements are by John K. Bolger Funeral Home Inc., Martinsburg.
Memorial contributions may be given to Bishop Guilfoyle Catholic High School, www.bishopguilfoyle.org or St. Vincent College, Latrobe, www.stvincent.edu.
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