Ralph Stewart "Tony" Hirsch

Hirsch Ralph Stewart "Tony" Hirsch, died February 2, 2015 at Riverside Methodist Hospital following a brief illness. Predeceased by his parents Stew and Betty Hirsch. He is survived by his wife, Gretchen; son, Stew (Lisa) Hirsch; daughter Tobey (Scott) Huntley; grandchildren, Tommy, Tyler, Trevor, and Amanda Hirsch, and Ryan Huntley; brother, Tim (Kay); and several cousins. Tony was a graduate of The Columbus Academy and Ohio Wesleyan University, where he was a member of Sigma Chi fraternity, a record-holding swimmer, and a photographer/writer for The Transcript. He was employed by Hirsch & Hirsch Insurance and later by the Huntington Bank. His recent years were spent in several entrepreneurial ventures involving computer sales and service. He was an avid pilot who founded the International Aviation Theft Bureau. He was a member of the National Business Aircraft Association, which awarded him the Corporate Business Flying Safety Award for more than one million safe miles flown in the conduct of business. Working closely with Lloyd's of London, he developed unique insurance coverages for flight instructors throughout the United States. During the Reagan years, he was nominated to be Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration. A certified flight instructor, he taught instrument, commercial and private ground schools for the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association and he was instrumental in writing some of the Federal Air Regulations. Tony was also member of the board and treasurer of the Quarter Century Wireless Association, having been a ham radio operator since his teens. Friends are invited to gather in the parish hall at St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 2151 Dorset Road, in Upper Arlington, on February 17, 2015, from 6-8 p.m. for a reception honoring Tony's life. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make a contribution to the Riverside Methodist Hospital Foundation to support the Advanced Heart and Vascular Center at McConnell Heart Hospital. Arrangements by SCHOEDINGER NORTHWEST CHAPEL. Please visit www.schoedinger.com to send condolences and share memories.