Alfred Richard “Dick” Kirschner, 97, of Bristol, widower of Ann “Betty” Kirschner and Bernice Shelberg, died peacefully at home on Wednesday, Feb. 16.
Dick was born on Oct. 2, 1924, in New York City and was a son of the late Gerhardt and Clara (Gurau) Kirschner. He moved with his family to Bristol at an early age, graduating from Bristol High School in 1942.
He had many fond memories of his trips to NYC visiting his grandparents, seeing movies and going to New York Yankee baseball games. In his early teen years, he became active as a Boy Scout where he earned the Eagle Scout Award.
He continued to be active in the Boy Scouts as an adult, serving several roles including Scout Master.
Dick married the love of his life, Ann “Betty” Seeds in 1948. They enjoyed 53 years of marriage until the passing of Betty. While attending a grief support group, he met and subsequently married the second love of his life, Bernice Shelberg.
Dick worked for the Bristol Post Office as a letter carrier, where his true passion was being an active union member and leader. His union leadership roles included serving as Chief Steward, President of the Local and State Secretary and included lobbying elected leaders in Washington D.C.
Dick was an active 32nd Degree Mason and member of the Frederick-Franklin Lodge #14 AF&AM, Plainville. His early years as a Mason was at the former Franklin Lodge #56 on Lake Avenue in Bristol where he served as Worshipful Master. He was also a Shriner and member of the Sphinx Temple in Newington.
He was an active member for over 50 years of Asbury United Methodist Church, Forestville, where he served on many boards and committees. A proud family memory is when Dick and Betty traveled with a group of Asbury members to the 1963 Civil Rights March on Washington D.C.
Left to mourn his passing are five children: Richard Kirschner and spouse, Nancy of Bonita Springs, Fla., Mark Kirschner and spouse, Grace Jaklik of Kensington, Kathleen McFarland of Groton, Kristine Kirschner of Bristol, and John Kirschner of Burlington; three siblings: Robert Kirschner of Florida, Dorothy Carey of East Hartford, and Kenneth Kirschner of Southington; nine grandchildren: Jeff Carlson, Stephanie Kirschner, Matthew Kirschner, Christopher McFarland, Megan Kirschner, Franklin Kirschner, Michael Kirschner, Casey McFarland, and Lauren Kirschner; three great-grandchildren: Will Carlson, Collins and Rhodes McFarland; several nieces and nephews; and former daughters-in-law: Judy Kirschner and Margaret Kirschner. He was predeceased by a sister: Lorraine Erlandson.
Alfred Richard Kirschner will be remembered at a memorial service on Saturday, April 30, at 11 a.m. at Asbury United Methodist Church, 90 Church Ave., Bristol. Burial will be private in West Cemetery, Plainville. There are no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Asbury United Methodist Church Book of Remembrance Fund, 90 Church Ave., Bristol, CT 06010.
Please visit Alfred Richard Kirschner’s memorial website at www.FunkFuneralHome.com.
