Harry Alan Kirsch

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

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

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, as well as the beloved grandfather of Juliet and Genevieve Thomas and Mina Jane and Banker Harry Beach.  He is also 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, nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by sister-in-law Linda Nard.

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 the City of 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 at the Post-Gazette, he attended CCAC to receive his associates 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 into 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 that he could help.  Once he was a friend, he was a friend for life, and he provided an example from a young age on connection, patience, and support of 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.

Family and friends will be welcomed on FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2024 from 2-4 and 6-8pm at McDonald-Aeberli Funeral Home, 238 Crowe Avenue Mars PA 16046.  A funeral mass will be held on SATURDAY,  SEPTEMBER 7, 2024 at 10:00 AM at Saint Kilian Church, 7076 Franklin Road Cranberry Township PA 16066. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.  Directions and condolences are available at www.mcdonald-aeberli.com.