Joel Hirschman

Joel Hirschman, of Pikesville, Maryland, passed away on Sunday, July 27, 2025, at the age of 84. He is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Susan Hirschman (née Brill); his devoted children, Jill (Michael) David and Bryan (Wendy) Hirschman; his loving sister, Reita (Stanley) Bondroff; and the grandchildren who lit up his life: Maddie David, Jacob David, Jenna Hirschman, and Becca Hirschman. He was also cherished by his nephews, Ryan and Scott Bondroff. Joel was predeceased by his parents, Esther and Jerome Hirschman.

Joel lived with quiet purpose, a natural sense of responsibility, and a deeply rooted kindness that left an impression on everyone he met. He was affectionately known as the "Mayor of Annen Woods," a name earned not just because he served as president of both his condominium building and the board for the full development, but because of the way he connected with people. Joel didn't just oversee the community, he invested in it. He built genuine relationships not only with neighbors, but with everyone who came through the property. He was on a first-name basis with the landscapers, the tree crews, the concrete contractors, the painters, and the plumbers. Whether someone was there for an hour or a month, Joel took the time to get to know them and treat them with care and respect.

He believed deeply in teamwork and wasn't content to just give direction from the sidelines. Joel would roll up his sleeves and join in, raking, sweeping, moving furniture, or helping to coordinate repairs. If something needed doing and he could help, he did. For him, leadership meant participation, and community meant everyone.

He also believed in showing up for others outside of Annen Woods. Joel was a proud volunteer with Weekend Backpacks, helping provide food for Baltimore-area students to take home each weekend. He spent decades donating blood and platelets through the American Red Cross, giving as often as he was allowed. In 2017, he was recognized as the largest blood and platelet donor in the tristate area. Joel didn't do it for praise. He did it because he felt it was the right thing to do.

Joel had a special place in his heart for dogs. On his daily walks, he carried cookies in his pocket for every dog he passed, and the neighborhood pups knew exactly where to find him. That small, consistent act said everything about the kind of man he was.

At the center of everything was Joel's family. He was endlessly proud of his children and grandchildren, and his love and support were constant. His presence was steady, calming, and deeply felt, and his absence will be just as deeply felt by all who knew and loved him.

A service celebrating Joel's life will be held at Sol Levinson's Chapel, 8900 Reisterstown Road, Pikesville, MD 21208, on Thursday, July 31, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. Interment is private. Please omit flowers. Contributions in his memory may be made to Weekend Backpacks, P.O. Box 21486, Baltimore, MD 21282 or Gilchrist Hospice Care, 11311 McCormick Road, Suite 350, Hunt Valley, MD 21031. The family will be in mourning at 13 Farmhouse Court, Pikesville, Maryland 21208, Thursday from 2pm -5pm.