Joseph J. Hirschberg

Mr. Hirschberg was born in 1920 in Columbus, OH. He graduated high school in Newark, OH and attended Ohio State University, graduating in 1942. He attended and graduated from the Kellogg School’s Institute of Management at Northwestern University in 1962.

He was commissioned Second Lieutenant United States Field Artillery and assigned military duty at Fort Bragg, NC. Subsequently, he attended Field Artillery Battery Officer School at Fort Sill, OK. Upon graduation he was assigned to Camp Claiborne, LA to help activate the 103rd Infantry Division Artillery. He graduated Office Advanced Artillery School with the rank of Captain. The 103rd Division entered combat in the European Theater of Operations in 1944. Captain Hirschberg earned three Battle Stars and the Bronze Star for Meritorious Service during World War II combat and was later promoted to the grade of Major, United States Army.

Returning home from World War II in 1946, Mr. Hirschberg became an underwriter with Equitable Life Insurance Company of Iowa. In 1947 he joined Colgate-Palmolive Company as a field sales representative. He and his wife, Maryann, were then married in 1948. Over the ensuing years he rose to management positions within Colgate and was promoted to General and National Sales Manager at Colgate World Headquarters in New York, NY. During his time in this position Mr. Hirschberg’s responsibilities called for extensive travel domestically and abroad. His loving wife accompanied him and together they served as hosts for many of the events and conventions. His favorite annual event to host was the Colgate Dinah Shore Golf Tournament and Celebrity Pro Am which continues as the LPGA Major today (ANA Inspiration). Joseph worked with the Colgate Company for 30 years and retired in 1977.

Upon retirement Joseph moved from Harrington Park, NJ, to East Orleans settling in Grand View Estates. During his retirement he served both the Cub Scouts and the Boy Scouts, and he and his wife spent their winters in Vero Beach, FL as well as Sun City West, AZ.

Mr. Hirschberg was passionate about collecting early American pottery and American impressionist paintings. His parents passed down their love of jazz and swing music; a love that he continued throughout his life. In addition to the arts Joseph enjoyed many sports, especially tennis and golf. His favorite golf courses played include Pebble Beach, Mission Hills, St. Andrews, and Carnoustie.

Joseph was the loved family patriarch and devoted father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He is survived by one son Eric Hirschberg of Parker, CO; daughter Julie Nuzzo and husband Anthony of Wellesley, MA; and daughter Jill Paolino and husband Gregory of North Kingstown, RI. He was predeceased by his eldest son Bruce Hirschberg of East Orleans, MA. He was referred to by his ten grandchildren and five great-grandchildren as “Joe” and will forever be remembered for his quick wit, his distinct voice, his respect for the English language, and unending love for his wife “Birdie.”

Visiting hours will be held from 9:30 am to 10:30 am Wednesday, August 10, 2016 at Nickerson Funeral Home in Orleans, MA. A Catholic Mass will be held at 11:00 am at St. Joan of Arc Church in Orleans, MA. Burial will be held at Orleans Cemetery on Tonset Road.