Richard H. Hirsch

Richard H. Hirsch of Waywayanda, New York, passed away peacefully early on the morning of July 2, 2024, following a four-year battle with prostate cancer. Richard leaves behind his beloved wife of 62 years, Raelyn Lachel Hirsch. His son Edward (Sonia) Hirsch, his daughter Lyndi Hirsch, his grandchildren Jace, Jet, and Kessler Hirsch, his sister Eleanor (George deceased) Wilson, his niece Barbara (John)

Koziol and his great nephews Matthew (Alix) (children Gracelynn, Alayah, Sawyer) Koziol and Christopher Koziol.

His son, Richard Raymond Hirsch, and his parents preceded Richard in death. Herman and Marjorie Hirsch.

Richard was born in Astoria, Queens, New York, on November 29, 1935. Throughout his childhood, he was surrounded by family living on the same block: grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins, establishing his devotion to family and a strong sense of community. His summers were spent in Saugerties, New York, at St George’s Church Camp. He first attended as a camper and then worked his way from CIT up to Assistant Director: the friendships, the fun, and the love of the outdoors he experienced at St. George’s helped to determine his greatest passion and his life’s destiny. Growing up during WWII, Richard became fascinated with the military. He developed an unwavering patriotism and desire to serve that inspired him to join the Army National Guard, where he proudly served for six years. Richard’s service didn’t end there. For over 40 years, he served as an officer for the Hillsdale Auxiliary Police Reserves.

A New Yorker through and through, Richard attended NYU, graduating with a BA in education. He worked as an industrial arts teacher in Brooklyn at PS 99 From 1962 to 1967. In 1959, he met the love of his life, Raelyn. They married three years later in 1962, and in 1967, they moved to Harriman State Park, where Richard fulfilled his destiny of running a family camp, Baker Camp, on Lake Sebago. Raising a family year-round in a state park 6 miles from the nearest town, with no neighbors, open seasonally from May through October, was certainly a different calling than most would have desired. This is where Richard shined. Always ready with a joke or a prank. He was a master storyteller who loved to sit for hours in the dining hall at camp with family and friends, telling jokes using amazing accents and sharing stories that brought joy to all.

He loved laughter, having fun, and helping people create special, life-long memories with their family and friends. He provided a safe haven where his young staff could spend their summers out in nature, working to make some money, learning some new skills, and being embraced as family. Richard ran the camp business for 52 years, resisting retirement at 82 years old.

Known affectionately to most as Dick, Rich, Sarge, or Papa, Richard had the unique skill of making every individual feel special, accepted and loved. He never hesitated to do whatever it took to support the people he loved. He was an inspiration and will be terribly missed. Celebration of Life will be held on: 

Thursday, August 8, 2024

St. John’s Church in the Wilderness

11:30 am – Remembrance Gathering

12:15 pm – Service

In place of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to Memorial Sloan.

Kettering for prostate cancer research.

http://mskcc.convio.net/goto/Richardhirsch

If you have any questions, please get in touch with Lyndi Hirsch @ 240-361-7682

Church information:

St. John’s Church in the Wilderness

(Harriman State Park)

119 St. John’s Rd

Stony Point, NY 10980.

The family has entrusted the care of Richard to Brendan and Thomas Flynn and the staff of Flynn Funeral & Cremation Memorial Centers.

Cremation care was provided by Oxford Hills Crematory, Inc., Chester, NY