Richard H. "Dick" Hirsch

Richard Henry “Dick” Hirsch passed away Dec. 24, 2021 at home in Homosassa, FL. Born in Baltimore, he spent most of his professional life in New York, where he was a national leader in the communications work of the Catholic Church. He retired in 2006 as Senior Vice President for Communications at Covenant House, an international Catholic social service agency for homeless youth. Since 2008, Mr. Hirsch resided in Sugarmill Woods, Homosassa, FL with his wife of 26 years Jeanine Jacob Hirsch. In addition to Mrs. Hirsch, Mr. Hirsch leaves behind a daughter, Ann Marie Hirsch of Cambridge, MA, and son, Richard “Charlie” Hirsch of Edinburgh, Scotland; brothers Dr. Robert G. Hirsch of Owl’s Head, ME, and Dr. Thomas J. Hirsch, of Madison, WI, and their families. Also left to cherish his memory are loving cousins, nieces and nephews and their families in Florida, South Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Bangkok, Thailand and Zihuatanejo, Mexico. Mr. Hirsch was educated at Fordham University in New York, where he earned double Master’s Degrees in Philosophy and English Literature. For 10 years, he ran the public relations function of the Catholic Church in America as Communications Secretary to the U.S. Catholic Conference of Bishops. In that role, he supervised national media coverage of two papal visits to the United States, advised local dioceses and Catholic non-profits throughout the country on communications issues and practices, and coordinated national values-centered programming with major television networks. He was consultant for more than 100 major network television and radio programs and documentaries. After retirement, Mr. Hirsch and his wife enjoyed international travel and river boating aboard their “Lucky Star.” He served as board member on the Sugarmill Woods Civic Association where he directed production of a 20-minute video on the 50th anniversary of Sugarmill’s founding. Family and friends will miss his wisdom, generosity, kindness and thoughtfulness. He was a special gift to all who knew him. Following cremation, a Mass of Christian Resurrection will be celebrated at St. Benedict Church, Crystal River on Monday, January 31, 2022 at 11;00 A.M. with Fr. Ryszard Stradomski, Celebrant. Due to inclement weather and to minimize Covid exposure, the online Memorial Mass has been rescheduled for Thursday, March 24, 2022, time and website details to be announced. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.wilderfuneral.com.