On Saturday, March 17, 2012, after a long, long test of wills with the inexorable foe that is Parkinson's, Gordon A. Hirt, Sr. drew his last. In his life he led by example, taught anyone who wished to learn, encouraged his children and grandchildren to lead lives of personal discovery independent of his path, instilled a wonder and appreciation of the inherent beauty and truth found in the natural world and universe, accompanied many along their journeys without judgment, treated everyone with respect, often helped us find the humor in life with a light hearted joke or clever pun, served his country and his family and was always a good son, husband, provider, father, friend and grandfather. The only thing he never did, regardless of the challenge or pain, was complain. Not Once, Not Ever. He was a most understanding, peaceful, supportive and accepting man and knew better than most how to simply "get along". So Long, We'll Miss You and We Thank You For Touching Our Lives in Such a Positive Way. With All Our Love, Your Family.
Gordon A. Hirt, Sr., 79, a resident of the Town of Wappinger for 49 years, died at Vassar Brothers Medical Center surrounded by his family.
Born in Mount Kisco on February 13, 1933, he was the son of the late Albert J. and Kathe Schmiedeke Hirt. Gordon proudly served our country in the US Army during the Korean War in the 2nd Army Pipe Band stationed at Fort George G. Mead in Maryland. He graduated from Hofstra College with a degree in Biology and Geology in 1954 and went to work on the Niagara Power Project until 1962 during which time he continued his college career to achieve his Masters in Education. When he retired from the Niagara Power Project, he began his career in education in 1963 as an Earth Science teacher at Roy C. Ketcham High School in the Wappingers Central School District and went on to become the Department Head. He began his career at John Jay as one of its first Assistant Principals when the school opened. Gordon remained at John Jay High School also serving as Principal there until 1987. He then returned to Roy C. Ketcham High School as its Principal from 1987-1989. Following his retirement in 1989, Gordon represented the Town of Wappinger as their Dutchess County Legislator.
Gordon became a member of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Fishkill in 1963, serving on the Building Committee where he helped with the planning of the new addition to the church. He was also one of the founders of Boy Scout Troop 95 at Our Savior Lutheran Church and was recently honored by the troop. On June 20, 1954 at Redeemer Lutheran Church in St. Albans, NY, Gordon married Lois D. Krebs. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children, Gordon A. Hirt, Jr. and his wife Nancy of Asheboro, NC, Donald F. Hirt of Copake Falls and Kathryn Frost and her husband Fred of Holmes; his grandchildren, Joshua Hirt, Samuel Hirt, Carlee Hirt, Elizabeth Frost, Taryn and Brian Merrill, Shane Velie; and his great grandson, Mason Merrill. Above all, Gordon loved his family – his wife, children and grandchildren.
The Memorial Service will be held on Friday, March 23, 2012 at 2:00 pm at Our Savior Lutheran Church, 1400 Route 52, Fishkill, NY with Rev. John Young officiating. There will be a reception in the church hall following the Memorial Service.
Memorial donations may be made to Boy Scout Troop 95, c/o Our Savior Lutheran Church, 1400 Route 52, Fishkill, NY 12524 or the New Hackensack Fire Department, 217 Myers Corners Road, Wappingers Falls, NY 12590. Checks to the Boy Scouts need to be made out to "Our Savior Lutheran Church, Boy Scout Troop 95". Please also consider volunteering your time as Gordon often did, to either of these organizations or one of your own choosing, and you, too, may be able to enjoy the rewards that come from positively impacting the lives of others.
For driving directions, online condolences and memorial donations, please visit www.mchoulfuneralhome.com.