Barry S. Hirsch, 73, died June 15, 2015.
Mr. Hirsch was born in Cleveland. His family moved to Tucson in 1948. A graduate of Tucson High School, he received his Bachelor of Arts and Master of Education from the University of Arizona. Mr. Hirsh served in the Peace Corps in Ecuador from 1964 to 1966 as a teacher and then taught high school in Arizona until he retired. He served as president of the Safford Education Association in 1975 and was honored by Safford High School Key Club and the marching band. He coached baseball, advised drama students, and mentored speech and broadcast journalism students. He received commendations from the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion for sponsoring students in oratorical contests and was honored by Toastmasters International. Mr. Hirsch was elected Master of Safford Lodge #16 of the Free and Accepted Masons in 1976, and Exalted Ruler of Elks Lodge #1607 in 1985. When he returned to Tucson, he served as an at-large committee member of the 5th/6th Street Circulation and Livability Study 2000-2001, as a participant in the Citizen Policy Academy of the Tucson Police Department and a member of the Citizen Police Advisory Review Board 2004-2005. Mr. Hirsch is a 32nd degree member of Sabbar Shriners. He served as president of the Udall Center’s Eastside Seniors Club and president of the Congregation Anshei Israel’s Seniors for eight terms. He participated in the Saguaro Singers, the Shirat HaShirim Chorus and the Anshei Israel Choir. Mr. Hirsch wrote seven novels, ranging from baseball fiction to a family saga trilogy to a whodunit. He also conducted religious services at six retirement centers. He was a founding father and charter member of the Upsilon Alpha Chapter of Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity.
Survivors include his sisters, Gloria L. Hirsch of Tucson and Susan (Jay) Lipmann of California.
Services were held at Evergreen Mortuary with Rabbi Robert Eisen officiating. Interment followed in the Congregation Anshei Israel section of Evergreen Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Congregation Anshei Israel, 5550 E. 5th St., Tucson, AZ 85711 or the charity of your choice.
