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KIRSCH -- Robert J. Kirsch, 81, born on Sunday, June 15, 1924 in New York City, graduated this life on Wednesday, November 3, 2005, the feast day of San Martin de Perres. Fr. Bob is the founding Pastor of the Santuario de San Martin Church. His parents were of German and Irish immigrants. Fr. Bob attended Catholic grammar school in Queens Village, New York, public high school in Penna, and graduated from Scranton University Prep School in 1941. In 1942, he enlisted in the Army Air Corps (Officer's Training School); and was exempted for college training in theology at Georgetown University, Woodstock, Maryland. From 1944 to 1948, he did post graduate work in Math and Physics; Classics: Latin and Greek; Hebrew; and Clinical Psychology. Fr. Bob moved in 1949 to Yukon River, Alaska to instruct in the Holy Cross Mission (Jesuit Order) and from 1949 to 1952 lived in Alaska, Washington, and Idaho. He returned to Theological training in 1953 in Missouri, Benedictine Order. On January 6, 1957, he was ordained to the Roman Catholic Priesthood in Gallup, New Mexico for his service to Arizona and New Mexico parishes and to indigenous people in the U.S. and Mexico. He was the auxiliary chaplain, U.S. Air Force, Cadet Spiritual Formation, Civil Air Patrol in 1957. He served in New Mexico parishes until his retirement at the age of 70 in 1994. Fr. Bob joined the Albuquerque Del Norte Rotary Club in 1992. He has been Rotary district Chaplain 5520 since 2002. He has also been a member of the following organizations: New Mexico Conference of Churches; ecumenical dialogue since 1965, and the Jewish-Roman Catholic dialogue since 1966. His involvement has included the San Martin Flying Mission - St. Jude Express which brings medical flights to Mexico and Guatemala since 1962, Albuquerque City Mayor's committee on education, Alb. Coalition consultant on City Neighborhood Associations, and working with street youth and gangs. He is the founder of New Mexico Low Rider Association in 1982. The Rotary Del Norte Foundation Fellowship is named after Fr. Bob Kirsch because he is the epitome of "Service Before Self." Fr. Bob is survived by his nephews, Jeff Kirsch of Boulder, CO, Greg Kirsch of Monsey, NY, Edmund Kirsch of Valley Cottage, NY, and John Kirsch of Hillcrest, NY; nieces, Col. Adrienne Frazer Darling of Alexandria, VA, Cynthia Nuttall of Albuquerque, NM, and Elaine Kirsch of South Nyack, NY; and special friend, Edwina Tabares. He was preceded in death by his brother, Donald Kirsch and his nephew, Ronald Kirsch. Memorial viewing will be Sunday, November 6, 2005, 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Santuario de San Martin Catholic Church, 8321 Camino San Martin SW. "As per our customs" an all night Velorio or Vigil will be held at his home, following the viewing. Memorial Rosary will be recited on Tuesday, 7:00 p.m., at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 619 Copper NW. Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, 3:30 p.m., at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, with a reception to follow at the basement of the school. Please send flowers to the French Mortuary, University Blvd. location. As per the Archbishop's request, Fr. Bob will not be buried on church property. His body will be cremated. As he loved each and every one of you, he is now being loved eternally and in God's hands. Thanks to everyone for all your prayers and blessings. French Mortuary 1111 University Blvd. NE 843-6333
        Published on: Sun November 06, 2005