Anthony Laws Birch

1941 - 03

Tony Birch, 83, a lifelong resident of Bethesda, Maryland, died May 23, 2024 while at his home on the Isle of Palms, SC after gallantly battling health issues for 32 years. He was born to Frances (Laws) and Herbert McFarlan Birch, Sr. on March 16, 1941 in Washington, DC. Siblings Terry, Loraine, and Herbie predeceased him. He is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, Alice-Anne (Tucker), adored children, Tucker Birch, Isle of Palms, SC, Alexandra Rose (Jim) and cherished grandchildren, Annabelle and Sam, of Natick, MA.
A 5th-generation Washingtonian, he graduated from Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School & the University of Maryland School of Engineering, where he was a member of Phi Sigma Kappa fraternity and the varsity tennis team. While working as an Examiner for the US Patent Office, he earned his law degree from the University of Baltimore. With his brother Terry, he co-founded the prominent international patent law firm, Birch, Stewart, Kolasch & Birch.
Tony served as President of the American Intellectual Property Association of Washington, and as a Trustee of Concord Hill School. He was a member of Columbia Country Club for over 50 years, where he was an avid tennis player and ever-hopeful golfer.
A true gentleman, Tony lived by his unwavering code of honor, brilliant mind, infectious humor, spiffy attire, sympathetic ear and unbelievable courage. His many loves included entertaining at his home, Hallmark movies, the Redskins, country music, jamming on his guitar with his brothers, summers in Ocean City, NJ, boating at his Deep Creek Lake, MD home and skiing all over the West.
A celebration of his life will be held later. Donations in his memory may be made to Daffodils & Diamonds, which he served as legal advisor & supporter, at https:nfcr.donorsupport.co/page/tributegift or mail to National Foundation for Cancer Research, 5515 Security Lane, Suite 1105. Rockville, MD 20852 Attn: Daffodils & Diamonds