RICHARD A. KIRSCH

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New York University

RICHARD KIRSCH Obituary

KIRSCH--Richard A. Jr. Richard Alan Kirsch, Jr., died with the same intensity with which he lived. He did not surrender to the diseases he battled for five years. He died of a brain aneurysm on May 20, 2015 surrounded by his family. Bigger than life fit Rick. His treasured pack of friends tell unbelievable, but true stories. Backcountry skiing, single-track biking, ice climbing, mountaineering: Rick knew what he loved and he did it, even during his illness. Rick adored his wife, Jodie, and his children, Samantha, Sophie and Jackson. His family was the center of his life. Jodie was his favorite companion and constant support, and especially during the difficult last years of his life. He was fiercely proud of his kids' many accomplishments. Rick had a very successful Rockefeller Center practice as a board-certified prosthodontist since 1990. His empathy, uncompromising ethics, quality of treatment and his brutal honesty brought him a steady influx of patients, and imbued his professional relationships with the warmth of personal ones. From Methuen, MA, Rick stayed close to his extended family all his life. He was devoted to his mother, Gloria, and checked in daily with his brother, Rob. He established and maintained deep connections with people. He had numerous life-long friends and formed strong attachments with his professional colleagues and his patients. We all loved him back. He could be opinionated, stubborn and demanding. But he came from his heart, and from his intense commitment to what he believed was right. He engaged all who knew him more fully with life because he engaged so fully with it. Our lives are richer as a result. Services will be held on Saturday, May 23, 2015 at 2 pm at All Saints Episcopal Church, Scarborough Road, Briarcliff Manor. Please make a memorial donation to the Mount Washington Observatory instead of flowers.

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Published by New York Times on May 22, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for RICHARD KIRSCH

7 Entries

Sigalit

May 29, 2015

May your beautiful soul shine a light on this earth forever.

Teresa Molloy

May 26, 2015

I considered Dr. Kirsch not only my dentist, but a part of my family. I was often times a captive audience in his chair while he shared the open book which was his life. Anyone who came into contact with him knew how much he loved his wife and children and how proud he was to call them his family. My thoughts and prayers are with them now. We broke the rules and discussed politics with gusto. He managed my dental health so I could be left to the business of managing my other health. I trusted him without equivocation. He was honest, real, kind, open and available, not to mention a terrific dentist. I feel privileged to have known him these last 15 years and will miss him dearly.

Jennifer De Jesus

May 23, 2015

I spent a lot of time with Dr. Kirsch, I am one of the nurses who took care of him, and saw him 3 times a week. I am so shocked by this news and will miss our conversations. He sure lived life to the fullest, and certainly did not let his medical issues come in the way of his skiing..... He loved his children and often spoke about them....here's to a man who believed in pressing on....no matter what....I'm hurting Kirsch, and I hope your not in pain anymore....

Jen

Robyn Roth-Moise

May 23, 2015

What a sad thing to have read in todays NY Times. He was a wonderful, caring person, who was a devoted husband and father. My thoughts are with his family and friends. He loved life and shared his enthusiasm with everyone he met. He touched my life and those of my kids as well. He will be missed.

Glenn Pacchiana

May 23, 2015

Rick,
This sucks. You were a blend of an extreme adventurer, a great father and family man that kept a balance in life like few are able. We have mutual friends that are avid backcountry adventurers, mountaineers, ice climbers and Alaskan helicopter extreme skiers, but only you are the one that I knew that was a doctor practicing in Manhattan that loved his wonderful family. I'm mad at myself for not joining you at Tuckerman's with my son, for putting it off for another year. I will miss you, remember you and will get close to God when I go on an adventure with my family thinking about you.

Karyn Feiner

May 22, 2015

Rick Kirsch inspired all of us to push harder and challenged us to be the best we could be at all times. He was a force of life and he demanded that we share in his positive energy! For those of us who were fortunate enough to have been able to call Rick a friend, we were/are better people for having known him. Jodi, Samantha, Sophie and Jackson, we know that each of you were the lights that brightened his life. There was never a time in which he did not smile and mention each and every one of you by name and by accomplishment regardless of how big or small, he was so proud of you. My heart goes out to you at this time of profound loss. I can promise you that he will be forever carried in the hearts of many and never, ever forgotten.

Bill Nettles

May 22, 2015

Rick was indeed bigger than life. His zest and excitement stirred similar feelings in me, making each encounter with him vibrant and interesting. He did a great job of living. That's harder than it seems. He will be missed and my heart goes out to him and his family.

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