Very Rev. Gregory Allen Kirsch, J.C.L., V.F., 55, currently serving as the pastor of Christ the King Parish in Houtzdale and at the Immaculate Conception Parish in Madera, died Thursday at the Clearfield Hospital.
Born May 29, 1955 in Clearfield, Fr. Gregory Kirsch was a son of the late Clair Joseph and Ruth Ermina (Feighner) Kirsch. He attended St. Francis School from 1961 to 1969.
He then attended St. Francis High School and graduated in 1973. Fr. Kirsch attended the Pennsylvania State University from 1973 to 1975 and then entered St. Mark Seminary, Erie.
He graduated with his bachelors’ degree from Gannon University, Erie. He received his Master of Divinity degree from Christ the King Seminary in East Aurora, NY.
Fr. Kirsch was ordained to the priesthood on May 15, 1981. He served as assistant pastor of SS. Cosmas and Damian Parish, Punxsutawney from 1981 to 1987. He served as assistant pastor of St. Peter Cathedral Parish, Erie from 1987 to 1991.
In 1991, he was appointed Vice-Chancellor and Bishop’s Master of Ceremonies for the Diocese of Erie. He continued in this capacity until 2000. During this time, he received a Licentiate degree in Canon Law from the Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C.
Fr. Kirsch served as pastor of St. Agnes Parish, Morrisdale from 2000 to 2008 after which time he became pastor of Christ the King Parish, Houtzdale and Immaculate Conception Parish, Madera.
Fr. Kirsch also served in the Erie Diocesan Office of Matrimonial Concerns, the Presbyteral Council, College of Consultors and as Dean of the Clearfield Deanery. He was a member of the Canon Law Society of America and the Knights of Columbus.
Fr. Greg had a love of gardening from planting and raising vegetables for canning to nurturing flowers.
He was fascinated by meteorology and astronomy.
He thoroughly enjoyed family vacations, especially at Ocean City, NJ and cherished visiting his relatives at picnics and reunions. He also was an avid reader and dabbled in photography.
He’s survived by two sisters and six brothers, Suzanne Ross of Tyrone; Darrell Kirsch and his wife, the former Pat McNamee of Falls Creek; Dan Kirsch and his wife, the former Charlotte O’Daniel of Dayton, OH; Barry Kirsch and his wife, the former Terry Moore of West Chester; Richard Kirsch and his wife, the former Sally Gailey of DuBois; Frank Kirsch and his wife, the former Lizz Kerr of Clearfield; Marion Shirey and husband Greg of Indiana; and Thomas Kirsch of Clearfield. He is also survived by 23 nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two nieces, Bridget Kirsch and Caroline Kirsch, and a brother-in-law, John Ross.
Fr. Greg will lay in state from 7 – 9 p.m. Saturday at the St. Francis Catholic Church, Clearfield.
He will be received at Christ the King Parish, Houtzdale at 12 p.m. Sunday and will lay in state at the parish until 8 p.m.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Monday at Christ the King Parish, Houtzdale with the Most Rev. Donald W. Trautman, Bishop of the Erie Diocese, as celebrant.
On Monday at 3 p.m., Fr. Greg will lay in state at St. Nicholas Parish, Nicktown. He will then be transferred to the grave for committal services at 4 p.m. Interment will follow at the St. Nicholas Cemetery, Nicktown.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be made to Father Gregory Kirsch Scholarship Fund for the youth of Christ the King and Immaculate Conception Parishes, 123 Good St., Houtzdale, PA 16551.
