Robert E. Kirsch

Robert Edward Kirsch

June 19, 1953 - June 13, 2024

Robert Edward “Bob” Kirsch, 70, of Bayville, formerly of Bergenfield and Barnegat, passed away on Thursday, June 13, 2024. Bob was born on June 19, 1953, in Teaneck, NJ to Lucille Slade Kirsch and Robert G. Kirsch. He graduated from Bergenfield High School in 1971 and was an equipment operator for the Bergenfield Department of Public Works before retiring in 2010. After his retirement, he worked part-time as a security guard for Englewood Hospital & Medical Center. Surviving are his wife Angelina (nee Merkiche), his children Robert (Danielle), Timothy (Brittany), and Shannon Kirsch, and his stepchildren Michael (Kara), Butch (Victoria) Merkiche, and Amal (Michael) Hammack. Grandfather of Cailin and Avery Kirsch, Reilly Jo, Jolene, Eliza, and Nina Merkiche, and Abraham, Miriam, and Levi Hammack. Brother of Nancy Naylis (Gerard), Cynthia Kneisler, Lora Schade (Joseph), William Kirsch (Kara), and James Kirsch (Jill Kravitz). Bob is also survived by numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, and longtime friends from the emergency services, as well as his four-legged fur babies: Murphy, Molly, Maggie Maie, and Max. Bob is preceded in death by his parents and brother-in-law Ned Kneisler.

 Bob was a dedicated servant to many civic organizations and served the people of Bergenfield almost his entire life. He started with the Bergenfield Fire Rescue Squad at 16 years old and then at 18, he became a volunteer firefighter with the Bergenfield Fire Department where he faithfully served over 40 years. Throughout his tenure, Bob progressed through the ranks serving as a Lieutenant, Captain, Deputy Chief, and then Chief of the Department in 1984. Bob was an active member of the NJNY Volunteer Firemen’s Association, serving as their President from 2006-2008 and again from 2012-2014. He was a fire investigator with the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Arson Squad for 5 years. Bob served as an EMT for the Bergenfield Volunteer Ambulance Corps for 20 years and was elected Lieutenant several times and Captain of BVAC in 2002 and 2012. He held executive positions of Vice President and Trustee with BVAC as well. Bob was a member and Deacon of South Presbyterian Church. He was also a member of the Alpine Tilden Tenakill Masonic Lodge 77, F&AM. Bob was a member and contributor to the Bergenfield Museum and the Bergen County Historical Society.

After relocating from Bergenfield to South Jersey a few years ago, Bob continued serving his community by joining several service organizations and the local fire department in the town of Barnegat. He was appointed the official photographer for the Barnegat police and fire departments. He was also the President of the Hometown America Homeowners Association at Brighton at Barnegat and served as Vice President of the New Jersey State Homeowners Association. Bob continued to serve in the church too. He was a Deacon at Dwight Memorial Presbyterian Church in Barnegat. Most recently he was a very active Deacon at Forked River Presbyterian Church who was always willing to help with church duties including cleaning, landscaping, baking for events, and photographing members for the church phone list.

Bob had a love for history and photography and is best known for always having a camera in his hands. Gaining his eye for photography from his father, Bob’s pictures have been enjoyed by thousands as he traveled the US looking for that perfect sunrise, sunset, fall leaves, or lighthouse lit in the soft glow of a summer evening. His genuine care for others endeared him to many, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

 Visiting at Riewerts Memorial Home, 187 South Washington Avenue, Bergenfield on Friday, June 21 from 2 – 9 PM. Fire Department services at 8:00 PM. All will gather at the funeral home on Saturday, June 22 at 10:00 AM for the procession to South Presbyterian Church for a funeral service at 10:30 AM. Interment in South Church Cemetery, Bergenfield. In lieu of flowers please consider memorial donations in Bob’s memory to Bergenfield Volunteer Fire Department PO Box 45 Bergenfield, NJ 07621, or Bergenfield Volunteer Ambulance Corps, Inc. PO Box 72 Bergenfield, NJ 07621.