Name: Visitation for JOSEPH BRUCE HIRSCHBERG
Start: 2013-12-17T19:00:00.000Z
End: 2013-12-17T21:00:00.000Z
Location: Nickerson Funeral Home - Orleans

HIRSCHBERG, Joseph Bruce Of East Orleans, MA passed away peacefully at his home on December 13, 2013. His loving wife, Molly, and son Peter and stepdaughter Sarah were at his side. Bruce was born in Columbus, Ohio and later lived in Cincinnati, OH and Harrington Park, NJ where he graduated from Bergen Catholic High School. As a lover of the great outdoors, he earned the Eagle Scout Award, an experience which prepared him for his ultimate career. In 1971, he graduated from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. At that time, he chose to develop his own construction business in Orleans, MA having spent many of his younger years vacationing with his parents on Cape Cod, MA. He became a very successful builder of quality homes in Orleans and environs. People sought him because of his expertise and reputation as a building contractor. Mr. Hirschberg was an avid sportsman. He excelled as a golfer with an ability to score below par. He was a member of Cummaquid Golf Club and won many championships. His fame as a fisherman was confirmed by his landing a fifty-four pound striped bass at Nauset Beach. He was innately an independent man who treated both his family, friends and business associates with a sincere personal regard and warmth. He was a generous individual who cared for his town and its people. In addition to his loving wife Molly, he is survived by his daughter, Heidi and her husband J.K. of Munich, Germany; his son, Peter of East Orleans, MA; stepdaughter Sarah and her husband Bill of Eastham, MA; and stepson, Daniel and his wife Sara of Natick, MA; four grandchildren, Griffin, Grace and Connor Fagan and Annabelle Chown; eight nieces and nephews; sisters, Julie and her husband Anthony of Wellesley, MA and Brewster, MA and Jill and her husband Gregory of East Orleans, MA and North Kingston, RI.; brother, Eric and his wife Joanne of Parker, CO, and Bruces parents Joseph and Maryann of North Kingstown, RI. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Bruces name to the Wounded Warrior Project. P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675 and Hope Hospice, 765 Attucks Lane, Hyannis, MA 02601. Visiting hours will be held from 2p-4p and 6p-8p on Tues. Dec. 17 at Nickerson Funeral Home, 77 Eldredge Park Way Orleans. A funeral service will begin at 10am on Wed Dec. 18 at Church of the Holy Spirit, 204 Monument Road, Orleans. Burial to follow in Orleans Cemetery.

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Published by Boston Globe from Dec. 15 to Dec. 16, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for JOSEPH HIRSCHBERG

12 Entries

December 10, 2014

This is for Jill: I didn't know that Bruce had died until today. I am way saddened by this and offer you my most humble condolence. I liked him. I honestly did.

Al Franz

December 20, 2013

Bruce and his family were our friends for many years, and I greatly enjoyed re-connecting with him in East Orleans over the last few years. I know all too well the enormous loss that comes when a son/spouse/father passes away before his time. I hope you grieving family members will find some solace in the Christian faith's Easter message and the Creed's affirmation, I believe...in the resurrection of the body and the life everlasting.
Paul Minus

HP Elementary graduation, June, 1963

December 19, 2013

I had the pleasure of growing up in Harrington Park, NJ, with Bruce: this is sad news that just now came to me in upstate NY via Boston and Wilmington, De. The Hirschberg's had friends.

We, and our friends attended Harrington Park elementary school, and shared our Scouting experience through Cub Scout Pack 111, the Boy Scout Troop 111, earning our Eagle Scout badges, alone with Ken Fisher and Chuck Carlsen, on the same evening. We also attended Camp No-Be-Bo-Sco (north Bergen Boy Scouts) for numerous summers.

I see that Bruce settled in as a contractor: that sounds just right because as we were growing up in H.P., new homes and developments were always gong up, so as kids we'd grab wood scraps 'n nails, and as kids we built a "little Harrington Park" in the woods, where we'd build tree houses and such. During our scouting years, building bridges and plywood boat became the thing to do.

Bruce learned to be a good tennis player at the time, we all learned to play on Dr. Feldman's private court. When we got old enough for golf, we all taught ourselves at Bergen County's public course in Rockleigh, NJ, and also on Mondays, caddie day, at Edgewood Country Club where we all caddied.

Once in high school, Bruce, Frank Holihan and Jimmy Madden all went to Bergen Catholic, and those guys would get us in to the Bergen Catholic mixers where we'd meet all the cute gals from the girl's Catholic schools like Immaculate Heart Academy.

Once Bruce went away to Miami of Ohio, we exchanged letters for a while; in later years, we went our separate ways, heard a while back that he was residing up on The Cape.

These were wonderful, growing years we shared. Thank-you, Bruce, for sharing them, safe travels my friend.

Bruce, hope you don't mind, but for your family, I'm including a recently obtained picture of our graduation from Harrington Park Elementary, June, 1963. In case you can't pick yourself out, you're in the last row, the third gentleman over from the ladies, with the building's line behind you head.

Again, thanks for sharing those growing years........

Dennis Cooper ([email protected])

John Boles

December 17, 2013

I remember Bruce, a great guy and funny also. My mom and his mom are sisters. I remember visiting in 1970. BTW When and where was he born? What was his degree? Best regards to all, and my condolences.

Chuck Carlsen

December 16, 2013

Chuck Carlsen

December 16, 2013

Chuck Carlsen

December 16, 2013

I am grateful to be counted among the many who have had their lives touched by Bruce. We were friends in grammar school, high school and into young adulthood. I hold many fond memories of Bruce during those formative years. As Boy Scouts together we shared experiences that impacted our lives and helped form the foundations for building our individual futures. Bruce was always outstanding among his peers. His intelligence and natural congeniality made him a natural leader. People were drawn to him and I know that his family, friends and acquaintances are deeply saddened and will miss his affable smile and easy way. I have included a photo of Bruce with his MGB taken circa 1970 in Harrington Park. Please accept my deepest condolences. We have all been blessed to have had this special person be a part of our lives.

Dave Houghton

December 16, 2013

Please accept my most sincere condolences. Bruce will always have a special place in my heart for being such a warm and caring friend, and consummate golfing buddy. I will never walk another fairway without knowing Bruce will be watching, playfully critiquing each missed putt or errant drive. He had a true competitor's spirit - and will be sorely missed. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
With deepest sympathy,
Dave Houghton

Gerry Coughlan

December 16, 2013

We wish to extend our sympathy to his family and friends. Bruce was always enjoyable to talk and play golf with at Cummaquid , he will be missed.
Gerry & Sally Coughlan

The Staff of Nickerson Funeral Home

December 16, 2013

We wish to extend our deepest sympathies at this difficult time.

David Butler

December 16, 2013

It was truly an honor, and a rare privilege to have known and worked with Bruce. The world desperately needs more of what Bruce had to offer.

Lesley Hill (Boles)

December 15, 2013

We love our Hirschberg cousins, Aunt Myrn and Uncle Joe. Cousin Bruce was a soft spoken, modest, handsome man with a playful personality. He will always have a place in my heart. I have you all in my thoughts and wish I was there to hug and be with you all. We love you and send our support, strength and love.
Love you so much, Lesley Hill (Boles)

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