Richard J. Kirch

Port Leyden - Richard J. Kirch, 78, a long time resident of Lincoln Street, Port Leyden, passed away on Sunday, June 5, 2011, at the residence of his daughter, Michele, while under the care of The Community Hospice of Albany. Richard was predeceased by his parents, Charles and Evelyn Pelo Kirch, brothers Gerald, Bob and Alan. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 52 years, Thelma Beck Kirch, Albany, whom he married on August 16, 1958, son Charles and wife Pam, Cazenovia, son Marty and girlfriend, Charlene Johnson, Port Leyden, daughters Michele and Laura, Albany, son Patrick and wife Christine, Leeds, grandchildren Amanda, Nate, Emily and Erik, great grandchildren Tatiana, Danyele, Kiara, Sophia and John, mother-in-law, Luella Beck, Albany, sister-in-law, Mary Beck, Boonville, and numerous nephews and nieces. Richard was born in Croghan and graduated from Father Leo Memorial School in 1950. He received his Bachelor's Degree from Albany State University in 1954 and was a member of the football team. He entered the U.S. Army, remained on active duty until June 1956 and was honorably discharged in June 1962. He obtained a Master of Science in Commerce from The State Teachers College at Albany in 1957. He began his high school business subjects teaching career at Remsen Central School in 1957 followed by teaching at Port Leyden Central School and South Lewis Central School (formerly known as South Lewis Jr./Sr. High School), Turin, until his retirement in June 1988. He was a member of NYSUT; an educator who took a very active interest in each one of his students' in their scholastic progress, and endeavors in all high school athletic teams. He was a member of St. Martin's Catholic Church, Port Leyden, and a frequent lector at St. John's Catholic Church, Lyons Falls,. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Lowville, the American Legion, Croghan, the Moose River Fish and Game Club, Lyonsdale, and the Miller Brook Fish and Game Club, Port Leyden. First and foremost, he was a family man who greatly loved his family and spending time with them and friends. He enjoyed camping, particularly at Golden Beach State Park, Raquette Lake. He was an avid professional sports fan of basketball, baseball and football. Richard was a renowned and fearsome player of card games, especially Poker. A prayer will be on Thursday at 10:00 AM at the Trainor Funeral Home, Inc. 143 Schuyler St. Boonville, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM at St. Martin's Church, Port Leyden, where Fr. Stephen Rocker, a relative will officiate. Interment will follow at St. Stephen's Cemetery, Croghan. Visitation is Wednesday 2-4 & 6-8 PM at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family would like memorial contributions to be made to The American Heart Association. For an online message of sympathy, or to share a memory of Richard, please go to www.trainorfuneralhome.com.