Bernard D. “Bernie” Hirsch, 83, formerly of Oak Park and Springfield, Illinois, died on April 25, 2017 at Presence Saint Francis Hospital in Evanston. Born on Feb. 12, 1934 in Brooklyn, New York, he was adopted by Henry D. and Margaret J. Hirsch of Chicago. On Dec. 31, 1960, he married Barbara J. Donner at the Metropolitan Community Church of Chicago. The couple moved to Oak Park in 1968 where they raised four children during the course of 35 years. In 2003, the couple decided to move to Springfield to be closer to their oldest son’s family.
Mr. Hirsch attended Hyde Park High School and then the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign where he earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology. He worked as a social worker for the Illinois Department of Public Aid for over 30 years. In addition, he worked for many years with the Park District of Oak Park as a nighttime supervisor of adult basketball and volleyball programs held at various elementary schools.
He enjoyed the simple things in life, a hot cup of coffee from Starbucks, a good novel, a home-cooked meal, riding his bicycle, watching college sports, gardening, swimming, hiking, and especially spending time with his family and friends.
He also enjoyed observing people and all aspects of life; his findings and opinions became the topics of various personal view columns published in the Chicago Sun-Times, Chicago Tribune, and the Springfield Journal Register. He and his family made it a priority to travel and especially enjoyed vacationing in Aspen, Colorado where he and his wife had spent their honeymoon.
Bernie Hirsch is survived by his children, Stephanie J. (Steven Spears) Hirsch, David B. Hirsch and Danielle L. (Ryan A. Recinto) Hirsch; his brother, Alan R. Hirsch; and his grandchildren, Madison M. and Tucker J. Hirsch, and Maia I. and Levi N. Recinto. He was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara J. Hirsch; his son, Michael J. Hirsch; and his sister, Carol Michl.
Visitation is scheduled for Saturday, May 6 from 1 until 5 p.m. at Oak Park’s Drechsler, Brown & Williams Funeral Home at 203 S. Marion St.