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FUNERAL HOME

CLOSED-Melvin J. Sliwinski Funeral Home - Cheektowaga

85 George Urban Blvd.

Buffalo, New York

Randy Hirsch Obituary

January 9, 2005, of Atlanta, GA, cherished and beloved son of Pamela M. (nee Barnes) and Craig A. Hirsch; dearest brother of Olivia Hirsch; dear grandson of Norma (late Harry) Barnes and Rose (late Paul) Hirsch; special nephew and godson of Patti Barnes; nephew of Tom Barnes, Gary (Patti) Barnes, William (Joanne) Hirsch and Ron (Nanette) Hirsch; also survived by many cousins and his best friend Charles Griffin. Family will be present to receive relatives and friends on Wednesday 2-9 PM at the MELVIN J. SLIWINSKI FUNERAL HOME, 85 George Urban Blvd. (west of Harlem Rd.) where funeral services will be held on Thursday at 11:00 AM.
This obituary was originally published in the Buffalo News.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Buffalo News from Jan. 11 to Jan. 12, 2005.

Memories and Condolences
for Randy Hirsch

Sponsored by Pamela M Hirsch.

60 Entries

Anne Cevasco

January 5, 2024

I can't believe you've been gone for 19 years. I still think of you so frequently, your unbelievable musical talent and the friendship we had since 2nd grade. I am so sorry I never made it to Georgia to see you and listen to one of your concerts. Definitely my loss. Love you and still missing you. Heaven got an amazing man to play all of their instruments.

Anne (Weiss) Cevasco

September 11, 2023

I didn't know this was still up and running. I think of you Randy so often and miss you so much! Every time I hear a viola, harp, oboe, bassoon.... I think of you and wish it was you playing. You were so talented and taken too soon. I love you and miss you. You were one of my best friends all the way back to grade school and you will never be forgotten.

Pamela M Hirsch

January 5, 2021

To my wonderful son, I can’t believe you’ve been gone for 15 years. I miss you every day. With all my love, Mama

James Davis

January 5, 2021

I cannot believe you have now been gone for 16 years, my beloved friend. I miss your silly carvings of watermelons into Jack o’Lanterns and of course that joyful twinkle in your eye whenever you and I were talking about the classical music we both loved so much and how we giggled when we would play recorders and krumhorns together (after I invariably messed up something, of course). I am so touched that your mom found an amazing home for your harp and that your innovation and creativity live on still through the legacy of the young man who got it. Your mom may still give me one of your old recorders one of these days! I love you now and always...thank you for the happiness that you imprinted on my life that still lasts even today. I miss you.

James (Jamie) Davis

Pamela M Hirsch

May 15, 2017

Hi James, I would love to have copies of the music. My email is [email protected]. I will tell you about an event that's coming up on 6/7/17 once I reveive your email.

Randy's Mom

James Davis

May 14, 2017

Hi, Pam. I was thinking about Randy again today and just found three recordings of him with his strings and krumhorns and recorders and period instruments that I had digitized. They are beautiful. These are from when he used to record himself playing all the parts. Please let me know your email address and I will send them to you.

Pamela M Hirsch

February 25, 2017

To Jim; thank you for thinking of Randy. It's been 12 years now and I still feel as though he is still with us. He is missed every minute of every day. ❤

Jim Jordan

February 23, 2017

Thinking about Randy again today. I still think of him often, every time I hear a Viola or Harp it brings me back to my friend in Atlanta. I miss the laughs and hanging out with the gang on Monroe st. Such a fun, talented and funny guy. Miss ya buddy. Jim

Teresa Hirsch-Saenz

January 25, 2016

Randy has been on my mind a lot lately. He was my very best childhood friend and my cousin. We would both be turning 50 this year. I love and miss him.

Pamela Hirsch

August 30, 2015

To Brian G, thank you for posting your memory of my fabulous son, Randy.

Brian G.

August 28, 2015

Randy was awesome. his talent and humor were something like I'd never seen or heard. that was a special time in my life I won't forget.

Pamela Hirsch

September 5, 2013

Dr. Jamie Davis, please contact me. I would love to speak with about Randy.

Dr. Jamie Davis

September 3, 2013

Dearest Randy,

I'm thinking about you tonight and missing the sound of your viola, playing recorders and krumhorns with you. I love you and miss you.

Jamie

Pamela Hirsch

August 5, 2013

Happy Birthday my sweet boy. August 5, 1966..you are so missed by your Mama

He loved this place, Kleinhans in Buffalo. He's in this pic, in the viola section

August 5, 2013

So handsome...

August 5, 2013

Who me?

August 5, 2013

Micah Briarmoon

April 22, 2012

I am sad to hear that Randy died. I'm not sure how it happened. I met him only a few times and didn't know him well, but I love his father, Craig and his sister Olivia very much. I'm very sorry for your loss. Sending you love and kisses on the whispers in the wind.

My one memory of him was driving in his rabbit. I remember it was yellow. It was so long ago that I'm not sure this memory is correct, but when I think of Randy Hirsch, this is the memory that comes to mind.

Chuck Lovett

February 7, 2011

Mrs Hirsch,
It's me again Chuck Lovett. I posted my condolences back in Nov 2007 while living in Lafayette. I now live in New Orleans and although it has been just over 6 years since Randy has passed, I can still remember him so clearly. I remember the first time we had lunch. I remember the place where we ate and that he wore a white dress shirt. He looked so handsome. I was merely contacting you to see how you're doing. I also wanted you to know that I still think about your son very often. I met Randy when I was 19 yrs old, I turned 30 in November and in all those years I have yet to meet anyone who has even came close to having the talent and the kindness of your son. I hope your pain has eased over the years. You too are in my thoughts Mrs Hirsch. Take care

Al Duckett

September 18, 2010

Dear Ms. Hirsch,
I miss Randy greatly and I hope with time you are recovering from this great big lost. Please know that the last music that Randy played was Handel's Messiah; in a performance I contracted him to play, not viola, but second violin. He did a wonderful job.

Don't let your heart be troubled. Believe in God. Believe also in me.
John 14:1

Chuck Lovett

November 17, 2007

I just wanted to add that I too miss Randy. He was a very talented and caring person. I'm not surprised by the number of entries from his friends as I'm sure everyone else misses him as much as I do.

Jacob Allen

April 4, 2005

Randy ment more to me than any other person. Still does. The first time we met he had written a Happy Birthday song for me. I had no friends when moving to atlanta. He became more than a friend, kindred musical soul, and will always be known for me as my protector. For the last two years of his life, i live with him, my life needed guidance, and he did so much more than that. He made sure I wasnt hurt, or scared anymore, I wouldnt be alive today if it were not for his unconditional love! - I miss you boo boo, The Doll -Jake-

rich krauss

March 6, 2005

I met Randy in Charleston, SC - actually, on Folly Beach, SC - in the early 90's. I immediately fell in love with him - he had the most loving spirit and a quiet inner beauty that made me feel so lucky to have met him. We discoverd that we both lived in Atlanta and saw each other frequently although not nearly enough. He kept so busy with his music and his circle of wonderful friends. I am so deeply sorry that he is no longer with us- I hope that your knowing that he shared so much of his love with so many people will give you some degree of comfort during what I am sure is a terribly difficult time.

Sally Wilson Martin

February 9, 2005

Dear Hirsch Family,

I have been trying to find the right words to write in this guest book for weeks now. The reality of Randy's passing still hasn't sunk in, and I find myself unable to eloquently describe the sadness and loss that is felt by not only myself, but also the music community as a whole here in Atlanta. Randy was such a vibrant and vital part of the music scene here, and in the surrounding areas. His presence at jobs was a sign that quality musicians had been hired, and his playing added so much to each and every ensemble he was a part of.

Since I moved to Atlanta in 1997, I have had the pleasure of playing in various ensembles with Randy, and I can tell you without any doubt that his viola playing will be immensely missed. He was an excellent musician and enriched every group he was in.

But he was also a wonderful person, and so much fun to work with. In this business, it is so special when you are able to have fun aswell as do your job, and with Randy in the group this was inevitable.

On a lighter note, he shared with me the method of keeping black jeans as black as when you first buy them (I believe it was his Grandmother's 'recipe')...this has now crossed the Atlantic and my family in England regularly use "Randy's Recipe" when washing new jeans! Sometimes it is the little things that bring us fond memories of special people who are no longer with us, and I think this is one of those.

I hope you know just how much he will be missed down here in Atlanta, not just for his musical talents, but also for his kindness, joy, humour and great spirit. I will miss him and his playing greatly.

My thoughts and prayers are with you at this incredibly tough time.

Jason Shinault

February 4, 2005

Jason Shinault

January 31, 2005

Dear Hirsch Family,

I would like to express my condolences and my deepest sympathy for your loss. Randy will always hold a very special place in my heart and in my memories.

When I met Randy in 1999, we found that we both shared a common love, and that was the love of music. I play piano and have a digital baby grand piano/ensemble that Randy loved play. I would e-mail or call him and we would get together every few months for what we would call our “Fantastic, All Music Extravaganzas” or FAME sessions.

He would bring his laptop, his viola d'amore, and more recently, his electric violin that he would hook up to the piano. We would play music all evening into the wee hours of morning and would record it into his laptop or mine. We traded and loaned each other music books so that each of us could learn songs that the other one liked for our next FAME session. He would give me classical songs (which I still can’t play due to difficulty) and I would make him take my Country, Popular, and Modern Music books (All of which he could play easily the first time through, like he had written them). My books have purple post-it notes still attached to them of songs that he liked and thought were fun for him to play. He even loaned me his violin and gave me lessons for a few weeks a few years ago, but decided that I should probably stick to what I knew best (I was a hopeless student J ). Among the other instruments he taught me (or tried to) were the harp, flute, and some he showed me that I had never even heard of!

I work in computers and would help him with technical questions and problems on his computer (Especially that Sony Vaio). We would work for hours trying to learn the Finale Software (Used for musical composition) and how to make it “Behave” and record things the way we wanted it to. He would send me his latest compositions and I would send mine to him via e-mail (His were always far more superior and I was soooo jealous).

A visit to his place was like being in a museum of musical instruments. He knew EVERYTHING about music of any kind. He would tell stories about the composers and even things that he envisioned when we would listen to classical songs from CDs that he had. He had a passion for music and an amazing talent such that I have never seen before or will ever encounter again. I would tingle all over sometimes when we would play music together. I will miss him so very much and will never forget the times that I got to spend playing music with someone who in my opinion was a true master at his craft, a modern day Motzart or Beethoven. Our favorite song we would play was from Evita. It was “I’d Be Surprisingly Good For You”. Randy was surprisingly good for me and I will think of him every time I play my piano or listen to the songs we recorded. He was an amazing man to have known and I will never forget him.

Sunny Saunders

January 29, 2005

To Randy's family,

Thank you for sharing Randy with all of us! We loved him very much.

I will miss him horribly, both as a musician and a fellow chocolate lover. Even though his body is gone, his spirit will remain forever in music, champagne, chocolate, ice cream, and unfailing good humor.

alice slammon

January 22, 2005

Dear Pam,

Thank you for your kind message to me when Bob passed away last month. It really touched me. Now, I am so sorry to see that your son, Randy, has passed away at such an early age. I remember your telling me about his musical career. You have my sincere sympathy and are in my thoughts and prayers.

Sincerely, Alice Slammon

Elana Nolte

January 21, 2005

My sincerest condolence to Randy's family and friends. I didn't know him very well but he seemed like a very nice guy.

marie thomson

January 15, 2005

to the hirsch/barnes family: i write this with tears welling...i am so very sorry for your tremendous loss. pam, i spoke with you last night and as i said to you, randy was a man unlike any other...he truly was his own person unaffected by so much of what plagues others...he knew who he was, take him or leave him...he was proud of himself and didn't worry about keeping up with anyone... amazing that he had such refined taste in music, yet thought hot dogs were the best entree ever!! even though i haven't seen him for several months i thought of him often and always looked for him in the orchestra pit of so many organizations here in atlanta...gosh, i am so saddened that i never got to tell him how special he was...so i tell you, his family. i'll miss his impish smile and his joie de vie.

marie

Jonathan Davis

January 15, 2005

Dear Hirsch Family,

I knew Randy as we shared a stand for several years when he was Principal Violist of the Cobb Symphony Orchestra. He was strong as a section leader and a very gifted player. We enjoyed each other's humor and often kept an undercurrent of inside jokes going beneath the music. Randy was fond of putting witty notations in our part. For example, above that extremely rare 3-measure passage where the Viola section had occasion to shine, he would always write "BVM" - for Big Viola Moment - so we would know to play out!

Randy was a pleasure to work with and will certainly be missed by all who knew him here in the Atlanta area. Please accept my heart-felt sympathy and I pray for your comfort through this difficult time.

Eric Alexander

January 15, 2005

It was always a pleasure to see Randy on a music job and even more to be able to chat with him. He is missed by all who came in contact with him.

Peter Witte

January 14, 2005

Pam,

Randy's arrival at Northside High School in 1987 helped give me the courage to live a life in music. I fancied myself a strong horn player back then until Randy redefined the terms. Here was a stellar violist, bassoonist, oboist (!) who could teach me a thing or three on the horn. And he had a harp at home too. Still, he was hillarious, kind, and supportive.

Geez...

I'd yet to meet anyone with his musical facility and ease. Fearless, he seemed, and with a voracious curiosity - was there anything musical he couldn't do?

As irreverent as he was talented, he made me laugh my head off at all the wrong times. It was worth it - Randy was a riot with a great laugh!

Authentic, humble, and immensely gifted, Randy "got it". He knew that making music and enjoying people were great gifts.

So was he.

David Hancock

January 14, 2005

Dear Hirsch family,

I am at a loss for truly meaningful expression of my care and love for Randy. Playing music with him was always uniquely endorsed with his particular and convicted sense of style and phrasing.

Randy was always so friendly and eager to make music even when the circumstances were not ideal or the pay was sub-standard.

We shared interest in computer-driven music publishing and composing as well. I always kidded him about the Macintosh version (which I had) and the PC version (which he had) of Finale.

In addition, the Chamber Orchestra of Tennessee organization would like to take this opportunity to tell you how much we will miss Randy, his personality, and his musicianship at our concerts.

I, David, would like to extend my deepest condolences to you. My wife, Carolyn, and I already miss him deeply like a brother.

In hope,

P. David Hancock

Edward Eanes

January 14, 2005

I am deeply saddened by the loss of Randy. I had the privilege of working with him in the Cobb Symphony, the Atlanta Opera, and other freelance work. Randy was an exceptional musician and colleague. I will never forget him standing behind his new Art Deco mini bar at a soiree following an Atlanta Opera performance, at which he had just mixed my first martini (ever). He enriched my life with his joie de vivre, his quick wit and the sparkle in his eyes. Dennis and I will miss him terribly.

Jamie Davis

January 14, 2005

Dear Hirsch family,

My heart is utterly broken and I am so saddened by Randy's death. I loved him dearly and he inspired me in so many magical, wonderful, positive ways. We played krumhorns and drank beer, we shared our musical compositions with each other, we laughed and supported each other. He motivated me to take up the harp and I convinced him to return to bassoon. The joy and excitement Randy expressed whenever he would finish one of his recordings or compositions (some of which I have) always made me smile and marvel at his talent. I will miss his silly laugh, being able to confide in him, living with the awe and pride I had by having a friend like him. Thank you for lending Randy to us down here in Georgia; we are immeasurably enriched by having known him.

Randy, I love you. May they give you the most beautiful harp imaginable in heaven and may your viola sing from the skies forevermore. I miss you so much already.

Jamie

Lynne Webster Sawyer

January 13, 2005

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Hirsch and Family:

I worked with Randy for several years in Cobb Symphony when I was personnel manager and he was principal violist/librarian. We shared a common bond in making light of the chaos that surrounds the everyday functions of an orchestra. His humor helped to make my job fun and I could always count on him in every situation. He deeply cared about his work and the people with whom he worked. I'm going to miss his jokes, his laugh, his smile on his face when he would tell me how excited he was to go back home to visit your family, his chocolate martinis, and his frequent presents of the Anchor Bar wing sauces (I'm from Buffalo, too) that he would bring back for me after his Buffalo visits. Most of all I'm going to miss his remarkable spirit. Thank you, Mr. and Mrs. Hirsch, for sharing your son with us here in Atlanta. He will be missed.

Bob Goin

January 13, 2005

The Hirsch Family,

I am deeply sorry to hear about Randy's passing. He was an exceptional musician and friend. Gael and I will miss him.

Amy Chang

January 13, 2005

We are very sorry to hear the news. Please accept our deepest condolence to Randy's family from us. Best wishes to you.

Sincerely,

Amy Chang and William Pu

Claire McLeveighn

January 13, 2005

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Hirsch and Family,

I offer my sincere condolences on Randy's passing. I was privileged to play in the Cobb Symphony Orchestra under his leadership as section principal for several years. I missed Randy when he left CSO and was very delighted to see him again at a rehearsal and gig just before Christmas. Please know that he captured the admiration and affection of many in the greater Atlanta musical community.

May God comfort you in the knowledge that your beloved resides forever with Him.

Sincerely,

Claire McLeveighn

Paul Hill

January 13, 2005

I would like to express my sincere condolences to the family of Mr. Randy Hirsch and may the Lord give the family the strength and courage to continue to function with such a loss..obviously, Randy was an excellent musician and an asset to the Atlanta community and his presence will be missed..but his musical legacy will live in the hearts and minds of those who truly knew this great musical talent

Kelly Bryant

January 13, 2005

To Randy's Friends and Family,

The musicians of the Atlanta Opera Orchestra were deeply saddened to hear of Randy's passing. He was a treasured member of the orchestra, both as violist and friend. We are all thankful to have known and shared many great times with Randy. Please accept our deepest sympathies.

Kelly Bryant

-on behalf of the Atlanta Opera Orchestra

Kathy White

January 13, 2005

I am so very sorry for your loss. I was in the Atlanta Ballet Orchestra with Randy and played many gigs with him over the years. Randy was a very talented person and a pleasure to work with. He will be sorely missed in the Atlanta music community.

Sincerely,

Kathy White

Joe Lester

January 13, 2005

Our condolences to Randy's family of relatives and close friends. He was a truly beautiful person. Samantha and I have great memories of sitting in a viola section with him. He was a gifted musician and an inspiring person. We did not see him as often as we would have liked but I feel our lives are better for having been touched by his.

With deepest sincerity,

Joe and Samantha Lester

Marilyn Seelman

January 13, 2005

With great sympathy to Randy's family.....we will miss him. He was a fine person, violist and musician.

Marilyn Seelman

Betsy Reeds

January 13, 2005

Friends and family of Randy,

When I think about Randy I think about his wonderful laugh and enjoyment of life. He had a refreshingly positive outlook that seemed to rub off on the people around him. He talked so often of being proud of his family, especially his sister, and father that made flutes. (Not to mention being so proud of that viola!) I feel so lucky to have gotten to spend time with him again.

Adam Crane

January 13, 2005

To all:

Please accept my condolences as well during this difficult time. I pray for healing for all of Randy's loved ones and friends.

Ronda Respess

January 13, 2005

I didn't know Randy very well except for professionally, but I will miss him. He was an excellent musician and a pleasure to work with.

Rose Bongiovanni

January 13, 2005

Pam,

I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My prayers are with you and your family. Your old East Grand Neighbor,Bunny Festa

Kerren Berz

January 13, 2005

I am sorry we lost Randy--a great musician, always without fail a good and compassionate man. I will miss him--please accept my deepest sympathy.

Miles and Claudia Kadryna

January 13, 2005

Craig

We are so sorry to hear of you loss.Eventhough we only met Randy one time, we both could see what a wonderfull spirit he possesed. We hope that you and your family will find comfort in knowing that Randy's spirit will live on in all of the people who were fortunate to know him. Love and Peace

Miles and Claudia Kadryna

Patti Gouvas

January 12, 2005

Dear All,

We are saddened by the early departure of our beloved Randy, yet, I feel he accomplished so much quietly in a short amount of time. I will hold his humor close to me and miss that we were never at a loss for things to talk about. From our first road trip with Charlie to Jacksonville 15 years ago to our last trip now weeks ago seems almost unbelievable. Compressed moments that will always live in me.

Randy loved his family and he had a sense of pride making his grandmother's pie crust recipe, continuing his father's talent for crafting instruments, having his mother's sense of taking chances and showing his brotherly love for his dear sister. My wish for Randy is that he will continue to inspire and live on in the hearts of all who loved and cared about him. There will always be a void and I will miss him.

All my best for your progress.

Fondly,

Patti

Michele Potts

January 12, 2005

Dear Pam,

So very sorry for your loss. I know how proud you were of your son and how much he meant to you. I am keeping you and your family in my prayers.

Kristi Sorrells

January 12, 2005

I am still in shock that Randy is no longer with us.

I shared a stand with him often and sat in the Ballet and Opera Orchestra viola sections with him for many years. I will miss his humor and we will all miss his playing.

Ruth Berry

January 12, 2005

Randy was a fantastic violist, musician, and person.

Erin Barnes

January 12, 2005

Aunt Pam,

I'm very sorry about your loss. From all the people writing in this guestbook you can see that it wasn't only your loss. I loved Randy very much as we all did and I will miss him greatly. I will treasure the instrument he made for me forever.

Love, Erin

Candace Keach

January 12, 2005

I know Randy from the many ensembles that we were in together over the years. I particularly remember when he played with the Macon Symphony and sat right in front of me (viola section somewhat in front of the flutes)- we had some good laughs in between playing times. He had a great wit and was such a pleasure to know. He was interested in such diverse activities, a sort of Renaissance man. Though we lately only saw each other occasionally, I will miss him greatly. My heart goes out to his family and closest friends. Peace. Candace

Don Weston

January 11, 2005

Deepest sympathies to the entire family. As sad as I am, reflecting on Randy's smile and his love of life keeps making me smile through the tears. Thoughts and prayers for strength to all.

Charles Griffin

January 11, 2005

To the entire Hirsch and Barnes families. My sincere and heartfelt condolences on the loss of our beloved Randy. I have lost the brother I never had. My thoughts are prayers are with all of you at this time. The entire musical community in Atlanta is in schock and disbelief. Randy was respected both as a great musician and loved as a warm caring soul. With great affection Charles Griffin

Dave & Glenda Pfeiffer

January 11, 2005

Pam:

We are so shocked to hear of the loss of your son. There can be nothing worse for a parent to face. If there is anything that I can do, please let me know. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Friends,

Dave & Glenda

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