Robert J. "Bob" Burch Sr.

1934 - 2020

Robert J. "Bob" Burch, Sr.

Louisville - Robert J. "Bob" Burch, Sr. 85 (lovingly known as Pappy by his grandchildren and great grandchildren) of Louisville, Kentucky, passed away peacefully on January 15, 2020, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on November 6, 1934 to the late Thomas J. Burch II and Lillian Heun Burch.

Bob was a Navy veteran of the Korean War and a retired firefighter for the City of Louisville.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 50 years, Barbara Pirrmann Burch; his brother, Jerry Burch; one grandson and one granddaughter.

He is survived by brother, Thomas Burch (Patti), and sister, Betty Scalo; sons, Bobby (Valerie) and Todd (Jeanette); and daughters, Jamie Wolz (J.D.) and Lori Hammett (Jeff). Nine grandchildren and fourteen great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Bob dedicated his life to the Louisville Fire Department. He was an active firefighter from 1958-1979 and retired as a captain from Engine 6. During his career he served as chief steward from 1965-1969, vice president of the Local 345 L.P.F.A. Union from 1969-1975 and president from 1975-1977. He was a member of the state's first fire commission from 1980-1989; served on the Fire Protection Commission from 1995-2000; served on the Board of the Louisville Firefighters Pension Fund from 1995 until his death, and was president of the Board from 1996-2015. He was instrumental in securing state incentive pay for men and women whose mission is to protect those who need it most.

A celebration of life is scheduled for March 28, 2020, from 4:00-6:00 p.m. at Local 345 Union Hall, 400 Bakers Lane, Louisville.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to ALSAC/St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, P.O. Drawer 498, Emmitsburg, MD 21727.