Mr. Milton Hirsch passed away peacefully at the age of 97 on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at his residence with his loving family by his side. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and mentor to all. His unwavering commitment to his community is a testament to the power of living a life devoted to service, family, and joy.
A Memorial Service will be held Friday, August 9, 2024 at 11:00 AM at Temple Israel, 1617 Wildwood Ave, Columbus, GA 31906 with Rabbi Larry Slesinger and Rabbi Beth Swchwartz officiating. A Private Family Interment will be held at Riverdale Cemetery, 1000 Victory Dr, Columbus, GA 31906.
Milton was born in Columbus, Georgia to the late Isodor Clarence Hirsch and Hannah Gerson, and grew up on Second Avenue. He graduated from Columbus High School and attended Georgia Institute of Technology before being drafted into the United States Navy. After serving his country from March 1945 until the end of World War II in 1946, he attended the University of Georgia Law School, graduating with his LLB. Shortly after, Milton opened his own practice eventually establishing Hirsch and Partin, retiring at age 90.
In the year 1981, Milton was named a fellow by the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. He was a member of the State Bar and the American Bar and served as the president of the Columbus Lawyers Club. Over the course of his life, he had many accomplishments. He enabled legislation that established the Muscogee County Law Library, convinced the City Commission of Columbus to allocate land and build the widely known Bull Creek Golf Course, he was one of the founders of Pine Manor and Oak Manor nursing homes, and also was among those that spearheaded the development of the beautiful Uptown Columbus.
In 1976, Milton became a delegate to the Democratic National Convention that nominated president Jimmy Carter. After serving on the Columbus City Council for six years, he continued to represent the interests of his district by being elected to the State House of Representatives in 1985. He was also an active member of Shearith Israel Synagogue and Temple Israel, while also serving on the board for both of these religious institutions.
In Milton’s spare time as a young lawyer, he coached the Peach Little League Baseball team for eight years – a service that he considered to be just as equally important as his work with the lawyers club, the city and county commission, the nursing home boards, and the city council.
Mr. Milton Hirsch was married to his beloved wife Elsa for 69 years. He enjoyed the company of their three children, five grandchildren, and two great grandchildren that he adored.
He is preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Jack Hirsch; his sister, Silvia Spiegal; and his son, Lee Hirsch.
He is survived by his wife, Elsa Hirsch; children, Jay Hirsch (Ellen), Terri Hirsch, and Matt Hirsch; grandchildren, Benjamin Hirsch, Joseph Hirsch, Charlie Hirsch, Stephanie Cavallini (Evan), and Max Saurino; his great grandchildren, Griffin and Maddox.
