Donald M. Kirchner Jr.

Donald M. Kirchner Jr., a lifelong resident of Scranton, died Saturday morning at home. He is the husband of Maura Murphy Kirchner. The couple would have celebrated their 26th wedding anniversary in June.

Born in Scranton, Donny was the son of Helen Bugno Kirchner, Scranton, and the late Donald Kirchner. He was a graduate of Scranton Central High School and the University of Scranton with a degree in political science/government. Donny was a career firefighter with the Scranton Fire Department for 25 years until his retirement.

Self-identified as a "man of science and letters," Donny held many interests. He enjoyed spending time with his family, taking road trips to Lancaster and giving impromptu history lessons. He was very passionate about politics and his career, even after retirement. He held dear the work of the fire department and the comradery that came with it. Perhaps his favorite hobby was telling stories; he was an interesting man with a bevy of experiences under his belt, and his loved ones will miss his hilarious "coffee klatches."

Surviving in addition to his wife and mother are a son, Donald E. Kirchner, Larksville; two daughters, Sara and Mary Kirchner, both of Scranton; a sister, Patricia Hein and husband, Douglas, Scranton; a brother-in-law, Gerald Walsh, Scranton; sister and brother-in-law, LeeAnn and Jeff Gregg, Lawrenceville, Ga.; brother and sister-in-law, James and Jane Murphy, Lancaster, Pa.; sister and brother-in-law, Christina and David Shackleford, Paoli, Pa.; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by a sister, Ann K. Walsh, in 2021.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday at 9:30 a.m. in the Immaculate Conception Parish, 801 Taylor Ave., Scranton, PA 18510. Friends and family are asked to go directly to the church for the Mass. Interment will be private at the convenience of the family.

A visitation will be held Thursday from 4 to 7 p.m. in the Corey Brian Strauch Funeral Home, 602 Birch St., Scranton, PA 18505. The family asks that masks be worn while in attendance at the visitation.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Scranton Fire Department Honor Guard.