Glen O'Neal Kirsch

Glen O'Neal Kirsch, 63, was born in Erie, Pa. on February 2, 1947 and died unexpectedly on June 5, 2010 in Rockville, Maryland, his home for the past 30 years. He is survived by his beloved wife, Patricia Kirsch, his two sons, Ryan Kirsch and Dylan Kirsch, all of Rockville Maryland, his mother, Arleene Kirsch of Erie Pa., and his sister, Darla Kirsch Farrell and her family of Diamond Bar, Calif. He was preceded in death by his father, Glen M. Kirsch and a nephew, Sean Richard Farrell. Glen attended Blessed Sacrament School and Memorial Tech, both in Erie, Pa., and he graduated with a degree in economics and history from Penn State University, where he remained fiercely loyal and active to his alma mater and to the Sigma Chi fraternity, Alpha Chi Chapter until his death. After serving in the United States Army, he joined Deak-Perera as Chief Executive Officer, where he was instrumental in developing one of the very first precious-metals certificate programs in the United States. Under Glen's leadership, Deak-Perera also pioneered in the marketing of platinum and palladium to individual investors. In 1982 he co-founded, with his best friend Michael Checkan, Asset Strategies International (ASI), where he served as Executive Vice President. Glen improved on the precious-metals certificate programs concept even more, when they partnered with the Perth Mint in Western Australia to develop the Perth Mint Certificate Program. Glen was an avid numismatist who began collecting coins at the age of 10. It was a hobby and a passion that he never outgrew. He loved talking with both clients and friends about the history of a coin, how its age, condition, and rarity determined its value. He was an enthusiastic investor in rare coins Glen remained an ardent hunter, a passion that started as a child in Erie, Pa., when his dad taught him the basics of hunting. A private memorial mass in celebration of his life was held on June 12, 2010 in Rockville Maryland. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Glen's beloved Sigma Chi fraternity, Alpha Chi Chapter at Penn State University. A memorial fund in his name is in the process of being established at the fraternity. Glen would tell you that the memorial he would most appreciate would be for you to take care of your family and to treat everyone fairly as he did. He has left us an unforgettable and lasting legacy of kindness and compassion that is indelibly written on our hearts and minds.