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Robert Birch Obituary
1930 - 2014 LEE Mr. Robert W. Birch, 84, passed away Friday, Oct. 3, 2014, surrounded by his family. Born on Jan. 16, 1930, in McKeesport, Pa., he was the son of Bruce C. and Margery E. Birch. He was a graduate of Clairton High School in Pa. and earned his Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from the former Carnegie Institute of Technologynow Carnegie Mellon University. Robert served his country in the United States Army from 1955-1957. He and his wife, Dolores W. Birch, were married Apr. 18, 1954, and together they have made their home in Lee since 1961. Robert worked for the Kimberly Clark Co. for 35 years, directing the startup and serving as the first manager of the Greylock Mill. After his retirement in 1987, Robert was elected to the Lee Planning Board, which he served on for 23 years. He also served on the Lee Community Development Corp. and the Berkshire Regional Planning Commission, and he was a long-time member and past president of the Tri-Town Rotary Club. Robert was a parishioner of the First Congregational Church of Lee, where he served on many Boards and Committees. Robert enjoyed camping and canoeing with family and friends and was a great lover of music. In addition to his wife of more than 60 years, Robert is survived by his daughter Rebecca A. Birch-Gutierrez and her husband, Marco Gutierrez; his son, Bruce C. Birch and his wife, Colette Bailey; and his daughter, Rachel E. White and her husband, Michael White. He also leaves two granddaughters, Katherine and Michaela White, and a sister, Mary E. Hiller. FUNERAL NOTICE: Calling hours will be Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2014 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Kelly Funeral Home, 3 Main Street, Lee, MA 01238. Funeral Services will be Thursday, Oct. 9, 2014 at 11 a.m. at the First Congregational Church of Lee. A private burial service will follow for the family. Friends wishing to honor Robert's memory may make donations to the First Congregational Church of Lee Historical Preservation Fund. If you would like to leave a message of condolence or share pictures or stories please visit our website at www.kellyfuneralhome.net.
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Memories and Condolences
for Robert Birch
Mary Dowling
October 11, 2014
Becky I am so sorry to read of your Dad's passing. I will keep you in my prayers.
Peggy Curley
October 9, 2014
Dolores, Rachel, Becky and Bruce....I'm thinking of all of you at this difficult time. I'm happy that I was able to get to know Bob and his family over the past few years..
Gary and Donna Thomas
October 9, 2014
Dear Dolores and Family,
Our hearts go out to all of you. Bob was wonderful person and a true gentleman. We are sorry that you have lost such a great husband and father. Our prayers are with you.
Marty Maroney
October 8, 2014
Bruce and the entire Birch family – I send my sincerest condolences on the passing of your dad. May he rest in eternal peace. Marty Maroney, Lee High Wildcats, Class of '79.
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Joan & Tom Mougin
October 8, 2014
Dear Dolores and Family
May all the special memories of Bob live on in your hearts forever.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Sara Hathaway
October 8, 2014
Bob was literally one of the first people I met in the Berkshires: he interviewed me for a job at the planning commission. I had traveled from Nantucket the day before and stayed in a motel in Lee. So I shared in the interview that my first impression of this beautiful region had been waking up to the charming, historic downtown of Lee - clearly this went over well with Bob!
Soon I was working with Bob when he was chair of the Berkshire Regional Planning Commission. He had a common sense and down-to-earth style that was helping the agency transition to a new generation of leadership. I expect that my love of the Berkshires was shaped in part by the obvious love Bob had for the land and communities of this area.
Your husband/dad was a great citizen, and I hope your pride in his community service will be one source of comfort as your remember good times with him. My sincere sympathy to your family.
October 8, 2014
So Very for the Loss of your such a wonderful person in your life's Love Faith
Marie Gormalley
October 8, 2014
Dear Katherine & Michaela,
My thoughts and prayers are with you.Your Grandfather was a wonderful person who had a great smile.Keep all the times you shared together close to your heart.Memories last forever.
Patrick & Marie Gormalley
October 8, 2014
Dear Mrs. Birch & Family,
I was sorry to read of Mr. Birch's passing.It was always a pleasure to chat with him especially when he would be picking you up from LES. He was always smiling.Our thoughs and prayers are with you.
Thomas F. Rubino
October 8, 2014
You will always be in our Hearts and Prayers. My condolences to the Birch Family
Holly Adams
October 7, 2014
Becky, I'm sorry to hear of your dad's passing. My condolences.
Dave Mougin
October 7, 2014
Bruce and family,
Please accept our condolences on the passing of your father. I know how hard it can be to lose a parent and your dad was a good man that the entire community of Lee will miss.
Dave & Jojee Mougin
October 7, 2014
Becky
So sorry to hear of your Dad's passing.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Mary Ann Naventi
Linda Rotondo Pascoe
October 7, 2014
Dolores and family,
I was so sorry to read of Bob's passing. Please know you are in my thoughts.
Linda Rotondo Pascoe
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