Richard J. "Bear" Kirchner
1926 - 2014 SHEFFIELD Richard J. Kirchner, 87, of Sheffield, died Thursday, July 31, 2014, at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield. He was born in Pittsfield on Aug. 3, 1926, son of Bernard and Myrtle Plouffe Kirchner. Dick graduated from the former Searles High School class of 1944. After graduation, he proudly served his country with the U.S. Army during World War II. Dick worked as a mason contractor and for the Town of Sheffield until retiring in 2014. Dick served as a member of the Board of Selectmen for 34 years and member of the Board of Health for 42 years. He was recently honored by the Town of Sheffield for his combined 204 years of service to his community on various boards and in many positions. He was a Life Member of the Sheffield American Legion Post #340, the James A. Modolo VFW Post #8340 in Great Barrington and the National Rifle Association. He enjoyed many years of deer hunting and also enjoyed challenging everyone to a horseshoe match at family picnics and outings. Dick is survived by his wife of 66 years, Margery Curtiss Kirchner, whom he married at Our Lady of the Valley Church on Jan. 17, 1948; three sons, Michael Kirchner and his wife, Sheryl of West Stockbridge, Bernard Kirchner and his wife, Deborah of Sheffield and Peter Kirchner and his wife, Katrina of Brewster; one daughter, Cathy Finkle and her husband, Fred of Sheffield; one brother, Eugene Kirchner of Pittsfield; two sisters, Rose Alfano of Winsted, Conn., and Laurette Herting of Cosakie N.Y., nine grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. Richard was predeceased by his daughter, Patricia Ann; by brothers, Jerome and David, and by sister, Winifred. FUNERAL NOTICE: Funeral services for Richard "Bear" Kirchner, who died Thursday, July 31, will be held on Monday, Aug. 4, at 10 a.m. with a Liturgy of Christian Burial at Our Lady of the Valley Church in Sheffield with the Rev. Bruce N. Teague, pastor, officiating. Burial with Military Honors will follow in Our Lady of the Valley Cemetery. Family will receive friends on Sunday, Aug. 3, from 3 to 6 p.m. at the BIRCHES-ROY FUNERAL HOME. In lieu of flowers expressions of sympathy in Richard's memory may be made to the Sheffield American Legion in care of the funeral home at 33 South Street, Great Barrington, MA. 01230. Condolences may be made through birchesroyfuneralservices.com.
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Wonderful man and friend to all.
Clarice Weiland
Friend
July 27, 2020
I just heard today of your Dad's passing. No words can tell you how heart-felt sorry I am for you. My prayers and thoughts to you all. Love, Cathy Z
August 10, 2014
Peter our thought and prayers go out to you and your family at the loss of your father. We never met him but recall all your wonderful stories and the expression on your face of caring for him when you told them.
Michael and Penny Healy
August 9, 2014
Sending prayers to all who mourn Dick's passing. His life will be remembered fondly through all those who's hearts he touched!
Teri Moro
August 8, 2014
Dear Marge and family. So sorry to hear of my cousins death. Comforting to know the heavenly family was there to greet him. The reunion will have a huge gap never to be filled. Sorry I couldn't have been their for you. Love and prayers, cousin Mary Jane
Mary Jane Lakatos
August 6, 2014
Marge, Peter, Cathy and the rest of the family....I was so sad to hear of Dick's passing....he always made me laugh. Know that there are many people who loved and cared for him. My thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
Michele Hitchcock Brooks
August 6, 2014
Dear Marge and family, Dick was a wonderful man who always made me laugh. He was kind to everyone and I will miss seeing him around town.
Nanci Race
August 5, 2014
Dear Marge and Family: I am so saddened to learn of the passing of my long-time good friend. We go back to our Selectman days in the 70s and 80s. We loved to banter with one another, and who can ever forget that laugh of his! I will miss him. My thoughts are with you, and Marge, my arms embrace you as you deal with your loss. Stefan Grotz
Stefan Grotz
August 5, 2014
Marge,Sorry for your loss. The Bear's accomplishments were many. Our friendship was unending. He will always be in our hearts and minds.
Ted and Debbie Clay
August 5, 2014
Marge and family:
Just received word of Dick's passing. I know I speak for the whole Delaney "clan" in saying what a special man Dick was - always that huge smile, a helping hand, a great story or joke. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Love, Cousin Jack Delaney
Jack Delaney
August 4, 2014
To the Kirchner family. So sorry to hear of DIck's passing. He was always a lot of fun and a great sense of humor. You all have so many great memories. The town of Sheffield was lucky to have such a deficated man.
Debbie Cook
August 4, 2014
He was a great man loved by all I will miss him
June Ostrander
August 4, 2014
Mike, Our family is very sorry for you lose. WE lost my mother on July 28th so
we can understand how you are feeling.
Beleive me your faith will carry you threw God Bless
Daryl Sylvia
August 4, 2014
Margery: sorry to hear about the loss of your husband. Cathy,Peter,Michael,Bernie--my sincerest condolences on the loss of your dad. He was a terrific person who really cared about his family, the town and its people. He will be missed.
Bernard Fryc
Adams,MA
August 4, 2014
Marge and family
I was very sad and went down memory lane of the fun times when everyone was together years ago in Ashley Falls. Memories of the fine husband, father and friend will always be there. He will be missed by so many. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Fondly
Marji Keefner-West
August 4, 2014
Marge ,and Family,Im so very sorry for your loss;you are all in my thoughts & prayers at this sad time in your life~~God Bless You~~
Joan Wood
August 4, 2014
Dear Marge, I've known you both for such a long time. I always thought you made such an amazing couple. You had a wonderful life with "Grandpa Bear". Hang on to the good memories and give yourself time to grieve.So sorry that you have had to go through this.
Karen Ball
August 3, 2014
I am so sorry to hear about Dick. He has been a valued guide and teacher to me and was one who always took the time to explain and to demonstrate how and why things could be accomplished. I know of no person who ever gave so much so often to his community. What a remarkable model to follow! All my sympathies to you and your great family, Marge.
Jenny Russell
August 3, 2014
john + donna bailey
August 3, 2014
Dear Marge and Family
I was sadden to hear of Dicks Passing.
Matthew Mallory also asked me to extend his deepest sympathies to you and family. Matt said Dick was very good to him as a young man.
I will be coming up on Friday and hope to see you at Church. Again my deepest sympathy. Dick has gone his eternal rest, God's promise to us. Love, Donna
Donna Mallory
August 3, 2014
our prayers are with you dick will be greatly missed love jack & betty warren
August 3, 2014
Peter, so sorry to hear about your father. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this sad time.
Guy & Mary Anne Giordano
August 3, 2014
Mrs. Kirchner and Mike- so sorry to hear of your loss. When I moved away I lost track of everyone but thought of you, especially when Mike posted on facebook. I remember your family fondly.
Pam Nason Hoag
August 3, 2014
Aunt Margie and Family.
So sorry for your loss. Uncle Dick was a good man. He will be truly missed by all.
Kim Newman
August 3, 2014
To the Kirchner family, We hope all your special memories carry you through this difficult time of loss.
George and Sharon Milukas
August 2, 2014
To the entire Kirchner Family, May the wonderful memories of this special man "Mr Sheffield" carry you through this difficult time.
George and Sharon Milukas
August 2, 2014
Cathy, Fred and Family, we are so very sorry for your loss. You are in your thoughts during this time and sending hugs and light.
The Kelly Family
August 2, 2014
We are so sorry for your loss. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Love Nelson and meridith
Wirtz family
August 2, 2014
So very sorry for your loss. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
W. Spfld./Agawam Kiwanis
August 2, 2014
The Kirchner family,
So sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
Nancy ( & Ttimmy) Duryea
August 2, 2014
So very sorry to you all Bear was a wonderful and funny man he will be missed sending love and prayers to you all
Emily Law
August 2, 2014
To The Whole Kirchner Family:
My deepest sympathy to all of you, you are in my prayers. Dick will be missed by all.
Clarice Kahlstrom-Weiland
August 2, 2014
Peter,so sorry for your loss. Sending prayers for your family
nikki Tolvo Szymanski
August 2, 2014
Aunt Marge, Michael, Bernard, Kathy & Peter and all of your extended family, my deepest condolences. Uncle Dick was one of a kind in all the best ways. A devilish grin and an upturned eye with a "How are you doing young feller" will always stay with me. Always kind and always smiling, he will never be forgotten but will be missed forever.
Thomas Curtiss
August 2, 2014
marg. so very sorry for your loss! wow it was fast but great for him if he has to go.my love to you barb
barbara chamberlin
August 2, 2014
I am so sorry for your loss Marge and family! A nicer man than Dick I have never known! May angels be all around you to comfort and guide you.
Bonnie Walsh-Campeglio
August 2, 2014
Michael, Jan and I send you and your family our condolences...Peace be with you........
Bob Allen
August 2, 2014
Cathy, so sorry to hear of your dad's death. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this sad time.
Mary Biron
August 2, 2014
Margie we are so sorry for your loss. The Mayor was one of a kind. He was a great man. Cherish all of your memories they will give you some peace.
Michele & Nick Ball
August 2, 2014
Mrs. Kirchner, Cathy, Fred, Mike and Sheryl and other Kirchner Family members we were saddened to hear of the death of your Loved one. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of loss. Elaine and Ed Murphy
Ed Murphy
August 2, 2014
So sorry for your loss, friends. Geana and I hold you in our thoughts and prayers.
George Delisle
August 2, 2014
Marge and family: My thoughts and condolences are with you. Husband, father,veteran,friend to many, and one of our country's Greatest Generation. God bless you.
Ernie Louison
August 2, 2014
Marg,
So sorry for your loss. Dick will surely be missed. We would always talk when we passed at the p.o. He was a nice guy.
Barb Davidson
August 2, 2014
Marge, Cathy, and Fred and all the Kirchner Family, May Love of friends and families carry you through your grief. Georgiana Berry
Georgiana Berry
August 2, 2014
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