Frederic Hirsch

Bangor - Frederic Charles Hirsch, 62, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, June 11, 2015 in Bangor. He was born on February 13, 1953 in New York City, the son of the late Martin H. Hirsch, and Ingrid M. Hirsch of Redding, CT. Fred grew up in East Arlington, VT and graduated from Tilton School in Tilton, NH. After graduating from Ithaca College in Ithaca, NY, with a degree in Communications/Radio Broadcasting, Fred began his broadcasting career in New York City, working for NBC radio. After several years managing a radio station in New Rochelle, NY, Fred moved to Dover-Foxcroft, ME as owner/manager of WDME radio. Fred was a quadriplegic for 28 years, but it never slowed him down. At the time of his death, he was a substitute teacher and tutor for the Bangor Public School System. He also served in the past as a volunteer consultant for the New England School of Communications, and worked at Eastern Maine Healthcare as a Telecare volunteer. Fred’s first and foremost passion was the railroad. At a very young age, he delighted in trains, and one of his first summer jobs was working on a rail crew. In his free time, he could be found “chasing” trains with his railroad buddies. In fact, his radio station was housed in a renovated railroad car. Fred also volunteered as the State of Maine Coordinator for Operation Lifesaver, a national organization devoted to safety on and around railroad tracks. In addition to his mother, Fred is survived by his loving wife, Julie Deyone Hirsch, his step-daughter Melanie McGrath and her husband Dennis, and a cherished step-granddaughter, Caitlin. Fred is also survived by his brother and sister-in-law Peter and Susan Hirsch of York, ME, and his sister and brother-in-law Katharine and Reto Koller of New Canaan, CT. Nieces and nephews Selina, Neal and Julia Koller and Conall and Meghan Hirsch also survive him. Frederic was a devoted member of the Congregation Beth Israel in Bangor. A Memorial service will be held 12 noon Sunday June 14, 2015 at Brookings-Smith, 133 Center St., Bangor. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Congregation Beth Israel, 144 York St., Bangor, or Operation Lifesaver at www.oli.org. Condolences to the family may be expressed at www.BrookingsSmith.com