Zachary Joseph Kirchner

Red Lion - On Tuesday April 20, 2021, Zachary Joseph Kirchner passed away at the age of 15. Zach was born on August 14th, 2005 in York, Pennsylvania. Zach had an amazing smile and loved to make everyone laugh, even if you were having a bad day. He was a 9th grader at Red Lion High School who was high functioning on the autism spectrum and had dreams of attending UCLA because of their gymnastics program. He was an amazing gymnast and loved skiing in the winter and riding roller coasters in the summer. His love for his family was deep and his kindness went beyond words.

Zach was a supporter of LGBTQ rights and believed that everyone should be treated equally, no matter what your race, religion, or sexual orientation, may be. His life was cut tragically short when the bullying that he was being subjected to, became more than he could bear. His family wants everyone to know what a wonderful person this world has lost.

Zachary was the loving son of Hope and Jeffrey Amspacher; the dear brother of Joshua M. Kirchner, Matthew S. Kirchner, Lillian E. Amspacher and Kailey H. Amspacher; adoring grandson of Kathleen Shrum (Terry), Stephen Kirchner and Denise Gable (Rick); He was preceded in death by his loving grandparents Robert and Hope Gainer; In addition to his family, he was also survived by many other family and friends.

A Funeral Liturgy celebrating Zachary's Life will be held at St. Rose of Lima, in York, PA on Saturday May 1st at 11:00 am with an interment immediately following at Holy Saviour Cemetery. Please dress casually, Zachary would have wanted that. Hartenstein Funeral and Cremation Cares, Inc. will be handing the arrangements.

www.HartensteinCares.com

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

Published by York Daily Record from Apr. 27 to Apr. 28, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Zachary Kirchner

Sponsored by InYork.com.

82 Entries

Elliot Simpson

March 11, 2024

As a gay teen his age, he makes me want to keep living. Thank you Zach.

Landon Day

October 25, 2023

I'm so sorry about zachary what happened to him should of never happened I didn't know Zachary well but he seemed like a nice guy and really funny.Zachary left this world to soon it wasn't his time Im so so sorry about zachary Rest In Peace Zachary:(

Josh

March 26, 2023

I loved my brother so much. You know we had fights yes disagreements yeah. We fought like crazy time from time but they're were moment's we showed that we were really close bye bonding no matter if anyone seen it or not. Till this day I still love you. And I promise I'm still trying too stay strong and take ot day by day. It's hard but I'm trying. Always alone and isolated thinking about you. But I'm praying you're happy.

V. S

February 28, 2023

We weren't bffs but we were still friends, you were one of the first friends I made in middle school. You included me immidiately when I was sitting alone. You were one of the people I knew I could talk about my identity around. You made me laugh on days I didn't think I could. I miss walking around with you outside. Talking about miscellaneous life stuff. I also remember giving you the bracelet i wore everyday because you thought it was pretty haha. I hope you're resting well now, truly. I wish peace to his family as well.

A Mother From Easton PA

February 23, 2023

Rest In Peace Young Man & Peace To Your Family & Friends

Dan Ort-Patrick

December 15, 2022

Remembering Zach, his family, and all those loved him.

Arcus

December 14, 2022

It's been over a year now, and I still miss you so much. Me and Zach were never that close, but I've known him since Elementary school. He was a great kid, and was so kind to everyone. No one deserves this. Prayers to the Family of Zachary We all miss you so much.

Brenden rohraff

September 26, 2022

I just wish he was still here he was my best friend when I was at my dads house in p.a I remember so many nights of him staying at my house and all of us eating dinner and having a grate time. He was such a good friend like I remember me and my brother going with him to the candy store and getting free stuff cuz we didn´t have money and then me laughing when he would say `you want to come with´ and at the time I thought it was funny how he said it but know I catch my self saying it from time to time again I just hope zacks family is doing ok.

Dan Ort-Patrick

April 21, 2022

Remembering the life of this young man and lifting up his family.

Grace O.

April 20, 2022

Zach was one of the best people I've ever known. He always stood up for what was right and cared about others. Now that it's been a year, I wonder what he would have thought about the world, or of what's on TV right now. But at least I know that he would always believe in what was right. Thank you Zach, for always being there for me when I needed you.

hailey

July 30, 2021

hailey

July 30, 2021

hailey

July 30, 2021

hailey

July 30, 2021

hailey

July 30, 2021

hailey

July 30, 2021

hailey

July 30, 2021

i miss him so much

hailey

July 15, 2021

hailey

July 15, 2021

hailey

July 15, 2021

hailey

July 15, 2021

hailey

July 15, 2021

i miss him so much. he always brightened the room when he walked in

Christina Barshinger

June 23, 2021

I am praying for Zachary’s family. I’m sure it still does not seem real, but know there are many lifting your family up in prayer.
I just can’t imagine how much you are hurting, you have a special son, brother, etc.
I’m sad that he did not get to bless the world with his presence any longer.
May you be experiencing God’s peace with each day.

Leslie Dietz

May 3, 2021

What a beautiful young man!! This world is better because you lived and so much poorer without you. ♥

Debra Knaub

May 3, 2021

To the family of Zach: I keep reading this & each time it breaks my heart. No one should have to lose their child over the stupidity of others. My heart is broken for I lost my son & I know how all of you feel. Always remember the memories for this will see you through. In time it gets better but we never forget. There is always an emptiness in our hearts. Just looking at his picture I could tell he was a wonderful person, a son any parent would be proud of. On the other hand he has been called home when their is no more pain, just happiness every day for him. Heaven got a special angel & believe me when I say this they never really leave us. They walk with us every day. I will keep you all in my thoughts & prayers hoping each day gets a little better. Put your faith in God for he certainly will guide you through this all. Hugs & love from a mother who lost her son almost 19 yrs ago, right before Christmas. Deb

Donna

May 2, 2021

I did not know you Zachary but you sounded like you were an amazing person. I am so sorry for you and your family. May you be with our Lord and Savior and I pray you have found peace. In Jesus name, AMEN

Stephanie Laurent

May 2, 2021

Dear Zachary,
Although we never met, I know that you truly deserved better in life. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.

Pastor Eva

May 1, 2021

This should never happen. People can be so cruel to each other and never consider the effects of their words. May you find peace knowing that there are those of us who will work tirelessly to assure people that each person is a miracle of God's creation and must be treated with respect.
Pastor Eva, Dover United Church of Christ

May 1, 2021

I am so so sorry for your loss. I cannot imagine the pain you are going through as I also have a 15-year-old son. I am sorry Zach had to go through so much. I will continue to support anti-bullying causes in memory of Zach ❤

Cara Slusser

May 1, 2021

Sweet Zach, I remember taking care of you at the nursery. You were a sweet little boy and I enjoyed playing with you outside at daycare. God needs you in heaven now and you don’t have to be sad anymore. Hope I send you hugs and prayers to you and your family.

Emma Amereihn

May 1, 2021

Zach, it was such an honor to be your friend. I miss how we used to laugh and joke around everyday in 7th grade. You never failed to make me burst out laughing. I know we had our ups and downs but we always would come to eachother in the end. You were taken way to soon and I miss you so much! I’m so sorry that you went through so much. Please keep your sharpay line going! I love you!

Tesla Taliaferro

May 1, 2021

To Zach's family and friends, I am so sorry for your loss and lift you up in light and love during this time of sorrow. From the words of his family and peers, Zach was a bright young soul with a love of life and his community. The Rainbow Rose Center, which serves York County's LGBTQIA+ community, mourns with you.

Matt Dorgan

April 30, 2021

I am so sorry for your loss. After time it will get easier and Building Bridges for Brianna would like to assist and make sure Zach’s story is known and his memory is never forgotten while helping other people at the same time.

Sandra

April 30, 2021

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always. Sitting here thinking about all the fun times when were neighbors and how little you were. Coming over playing with the kids jumping on the trampoline having cookouts with your family, yes we had good times and bad times but that's okay everyone has that. And the memories I have sitting outback watching all of guys play and going to the park and the water park now that's some good memories. We will always cherish that and the pictures I took those are memories. We will never forget you. We love you, and my heart goes out your family. Love Sandy, Aubree, and Jayden. We will always miss you and the good times we had.

Frank Quintin 3rd

April 30, 2021

Zach was my valentine my first love he always made me smile and laugh he kept the best of smiles and gave the best of hugs. He always made sure he help others and put their issues before his. I wanna send my condolences to the family and hope they stay strong through everything that’s going on❤

Shannon

April 30, 2021

Zach you were such an amazing soul that was taken way to soon. There’s not a day that goes by that your not on my mind. I still wait for you at the park even though inside I know I won’t ever see you again. Life isn’t the same without you hear at all. I walk around town and I see you everywhere I go, even in my sleep. Please continue watching over me my sweet angel❤

His ‘favorite lunch lady’

April 30, 2021

Zach had such a zest for life. I was so excited to see what he would become. It’s completely heartbreaking that he was taken from us so early. He truly was a light in this world, I looked forward to seeing him at school every day.

TES Team

Planted Trees

Frank Quintin 3rd

April 29, 2021

Zach was my ex and my first Valentine and made many great memories with me I want to give my condolences to the family and hope they stay strong through all this

Courtney Felix

April 29, 2021

Zach was such an amazing friend, I will never forget the memories we shared and all the things we went through together. I will remember our promises and the funny times! He really was such a great person and I will forever miss him so much ❤

Stephanie Rummel

April 29, 2021

I am so sorry for the loss prayers go out to the family and friends.

George Felix

April 29, 2021

Zach was my bro. In the year or 2 I've known him, he would be one of the most energetic and talented people you'd ever meet. One minute he'd be sitting down on his phone and the next he'd be talking to me about his day, what he'd wanna do in the future, and all the ways he would try to help his friends whenever they would need help. He's a really cool person, an I really really appreciate everything he's done for me. An I could never thank him enough for it all. R.I.P Zach. Sending all my love and support to the family. I'll see you again, one day broski

Caroline

April 29, 2021

I only talked to Zach a couple of times, but even though we didn’t know each other well, his death breaks my heart. I wish that I knew what he was going through, because no one should feel the way he did. We must do better. We have to spread love and leave people alone because we have no clue what is going on with them. You are such a beautiful soul Zachary and you’re life will not be forgotten. Fly high❤

Hailey Wells

April 29, 2021

Zachary was my bestfriend for 5 years. its still so hard to wrap my head around the fact that he has passed on. I have moments every day that I think about him. we did everything together. Every night before I go to bed, I think about all the memories we had. I miss him so much! I send lots of love to your family. I always have and always will! I will definitely be there to support him!

Ethan Deitz

April 29, 2021

We may not have gotten along 24/7 but he was still family in my eyes and I know he is in a better place now I’m so sorry for your loss and I pray that the lord is with you all during this very difficult time I love you all!!

Lauren

April 29, 2021

My heart breaks for the family. Sending prayers & strength during this time.

Shaheen

April 29, 2021

Very Sorry for your loss, may the good Lord give your family strength to carry on during this most difficult time in your lives. Keeping you in our prayers.

Addi McQueen

April 29, 2021

Zach was one of the most amazing people I had ever met. He was so accepting of me, and did his very best to make me feel as loved as possible. I wish I had had the chance to do the same for longer. Love you Zach! Miss you completely

Archie

April 29, 2021

I didn’t know Zachary, but he seems like one of my own. I am deeply pained to know that he was so hurt and the world let that happen. I deeply feel your loss and that of society where even perfection isn’t enough. Lots of strength, hope and love to your family.

The Murray Twins

April 28, 2021

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Cassidy Eyler

April 28, 2021

Zach was my friend at my first school devers and we eventually reconnected last year I’m so sorry that you felt this was the only way you could be okay, I wish I could’ve been there for you, it’ll haunt me forever. You deserve so much more

John Orendorff

April 28, 2021

I did not know Zachary but I just wanted to tell the family and everyone who Zachary's life touched that even people who never met him are grieving. I share your sorrow. My deepest sympathy and thoughts and prayers are with everyone who loved and knew Zach, especially his family.

Aimee Spyker

April 28, 2021

Hope I am so so sorry to hear about Zach. My heart goes out to you and your family. What a wonderful young man he was. You did good. I'm just so sorry his life was cut short by such a horrible thing.
You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

Mrs. Yinger

April 28, 2021

I am so sorry for your pain. I have wonderful memories of Zach's kindness and helpfulness towards others. I also remember as if it were yesterday the cartwheel lessons on the playground. Prayers!

Elise Jacoby

April 28, 2021

Zach was a good friend, All around perfect boy. He always helped people out when they where struggling and offered a safe place when their wasn’t one. Zach was a gift from god, I still walk around hoping to see his smiling face pop up and arms wide open to give me a hug. This truly has hurt me and a lot of people. My prayers going out to his family

Jacqueline

April 28, 2021

I am so saddened by your loss. The whole world needs to read this! Prayers and strength.

Maxwell Rineholt

April 28, 2021

Zach was a good friend of mine and I loved him so much. He had such a big heart. We use to just sit at the park and talk about the future and everything he had planned and wanted to do. He was so smart and funny. If either of us were going through something we always talked to each other and helped each other out. I will never forget why he did for me. You will be missed Zach ❤

Darlene Jordan

April 28, 2021

I felt great energy from Zachary a while back when he stopped and spoke to me. He was high spirit when he saw me with excitement as he didn't see me that often. Such liveliness. Great person. Condolence to the family

J G

April 28, 2021

I did not know Zachary but sounds like he touched a lot of people in his short life. I am so sorry to his family and friends.

sue r.

April 28, 2021

Our prayers are and thoughts are with you Hope and your family. Zach's smile, laughter and dreams will always remain a flame in your heart and soul.
On those very difficult days ahead remember his laughter and zest for life, that will help uou get you through. Your St. Rose family will always be there for you and know you can lean on them. May God wrap his arms around all of you, holdm you tight and give you peace.

Jasmine

April 28, 2021

I have only talked to Zach a few times, but every time was amazing. He was so nice and caring. I’m truly sorry for what the family and his friends are going through. You’ll never be forgotten Zach! Fly high❤

Jayda Almony

April 28, 2021

He had a bright young soul and made everyone’s day with just a smile!

April 28, 2021

I never knew your son, but my daughters attend Red Lion and his story has struck my heart, especially after learning he was struggling with bullying, as my daughter is fighting a similar battle. My heart truly breaks for you in your loss, and I pray that your family can find peace and strength in the days to come. From the bottom of my heart, I am truly grieving with you.

Malayna

April 28, 2021

I didn’t know Zach but many people I know did. Grief is the hardest thing, take your time and hold on to those special memories with him. Celebrate his life, from what Ive heard and seen I know he would you to keep going and never give up! I am so sorry for your loss, keep remembering those memories with him!❤

Caryl valdez

April 28, 2021

I didn't know Zachary but he sounds like he was an AMAZING young man. I'm so sorry for your loss, I can't even imagine what you're going through. My heart goes out to all who were blessed to be a part of his life. I truly wish I had known him. Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

Doug Beacham

April 28, 2021

I did not know Zachary. I saw a post made by a friend on Facebook. As a member the the LGBQT community I wanted to acknowledge and thank your son for supporting our community. I wish I could have known Zachary and helped him through whatever issues he was having. Truly a tragic loss. My thoughts and prayers for your family.

Steven Allen

April 28, 2021

I honestly didn’t know him after the formative years of school but to learn the type of person he became after the kid who playfully used to call me steven alien In 3rd grade Boy Scouts to this amazing, thoughtful, and brave man to exist in such a hurtful world gives me closure and keeps those memories close to my heart

Essence Harrison

April 28, 2021

Whenever I was down Zach was there to get me to smile. He would always make sure that he talked to me everyday in study hall. I will always cherish the conversations we had. And you will always have a place in my heart.

Dwayne Henry

April 27, 2021

I never met Zachary. His story just tore me apart. I'm so very sorry for all of you who knew him. He seemed to be a wonderful young man. I send my sympathy and prayers. By writing the circumstances of his death, may help others to change their ways. I'm sure this was very difficult to do. But, thank you for opening up and sharing the details. Zachary is an angel now and feels no pain. May God always be with you.

Beth

April 27, 2021

I don’t know you or your son , a friend shared his obituary and I just wanted to say how incredibly sorry I am for your loss. My sincere condolences to you and your family.

Sofia

April 27, 2021

I can’t even believe I am writing this right now. The shock has not worn off and I am in disbelief. Without Zach I probably would not have gotten through sixth grade. He was my best friend and we were attached at the hip and I would give anything just to spend one more day in sixth grade with him we did everything together from envirothon competition to zip lining. We got through the good bad and the ugly. I miss you so much Zach you will forever hold a very special place in my heart. Fly high Zach!!

Jasmine

April 27, 2021

I personally didn’t know Zach, but his story is all to familiar. May he finally be at peace ❤ Condolences to his friends and family.

Dan

April 27, 2021

This breaks my heart. I am so sorry and offer my condolences to those who loved this young man.

Patty Reed

April 27, 2021

I am so sorry . I remember Zach when he went to Devers I was his nurse and he gave me a rock that he painted like a bumble bee ,which I kept.

Logan Matthews

April 27, 2021

Where do I even begin, your smile lit up a room, your silliness and goofy behavior made everyone laugh. I can’t pick just one favorite memory of you bc they are all great... you were my best friend and life won’t be the same without you here. A thousand thoughts ran through my head that morning as I sat on that park bench waiting for you to come out... never seeing you again wasn’t one of them. I will miss you so much. Thank you for being by my side. You won’t be forgotten.

My condolences to your family, friends and everyone that knew and loved him.

Mandalin Burke

April 27, 2021

I never personally knew Zachary, I graduated red lion in 2016 so we never crossed paths. I was on Facebook when I saw a friend share about his passing, and my heart broke reading what had happen and the endless love he had. I, thank Zachary and his family for being so open and support of the lgbt community as I am part of that, and using your voice to help us be seen as normal. Thank you, I am sorry for your loss and what he and your family went/going through currently. You are not alone and the whole Red Lion community supports you, even this Navy sailor from Oklahoma base. You have endless support nationwide.

Charity Fentiman

April 27, 2021

I will never let Zach be forgotten and he has a special place in my heart. We shared so many memories together. I will miss him dearly. I am so sorry for your loss and I do hope the world realizes what an amazing person it lost.

Justice Pautz

April 27, 2021

May you rest in piece, sweet boy❤ You will be missed greatly.

Anijah

April 27, 2021

Zach was an amazing person who lit up every room he walked in. He encouraged me to be a better person. His smile and jokes were contagious and he would have you laughing for hours. I’m so extremely blessed to have known Zach.

April 27, 2021

My prayers are with his family and friends. I am sorry you had to go so soon Zachary. May you now be at peace and live as free as you want to.

Beth

April 27, 2021

My heart hurts reading this. I express my sympathy for what your family is going through and what Zachary went through. Bullying is not ok.Period I don’t know your family or Zachary, I pray you find peace and comfort in time. May God Bless your Family

Gail

April 27, 2021

I would like to express my dearest sympathy for what your family is going through and what Zachary went through. Bullying is never ok! I will be praying for your family and that people reading his obituary will realize the pain caused by bullying. I don’t know your family or Zachary but he seemed to be a sweet boy. Again I will keep you all in prayer. May God bless you.

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