David E. Hirschy Sr., age 87, resident and forever Flash of Willard, Ohio passed away on Tuesday, May 14, 2024 at The Willows at Willard. He was born on May 1, 1937 in Toledo, Ohio to the late Paul and Ruth (Bowen) Hirschy.
A 1955 graduate of Toledo Waite High School, Dave went on to obtain his Bachelor of Science Degree in Education in 1959, his Masters of Education Degree in 1969 and an Educational Specialist Degree in 1973, all from Bowling Green State University. Throughout his 40 years serving Willard City Schools, Dave was a Business Education teacher, Vocational coordinator, Junior High School Principal, Assistant Superintendent, and Superintendent of schools. Other school duties included Athletic Director, Junior/Senior Class Advisor, Director of Adult Education, and Summer School Driver’s Education instructor. With all of the different career positions, Dave still wanted to be active and was a member of the Willard Education Association, Ohio Education Association, National Education Association, Buckeye Association of School Administrators, and Ohio Retired Teachers Association.
Dave’s commitment to Willard was not limited to education as he had a passion for serving his community. He served on city council, the Willard Zoning Board, and the Willard Income Tax Board of Review. He was also active with the Willard Library Board, Willard United Fund, Willard Mercy Hospital Board of Trustees, Firelands Red Cross Board, Willard Rotary Club, Willard Chamber of Commerce, Willard Junior Chamber of Commerce, and Willard Elks. His faith in God led him to join and be a member of the Grace United Methodist Church.
In his love and commitment to the education and community of Willard, Dave was honored to receive the Phi Delta Kappa (Firelands College Chapter) – Most Influential Educator Award in 1991 and the Ohio House of Representatives Astute Leadership Award. He was the first to be awarded the Willard High School Honorary High School Diploma and was an Honorary Member of the Willard High School National Honor Society.
Dave is survived by his two sons, David (Lisa) Hirschy Jr. and Tom (Connie) Hirschy; seven grandchildren, Meagan (Scott) Ousley, Jackson Hirschy, Brandon (Andrea) Mantell, Jacob Hirschy, Zach Hirschy, Nick Hirschy and Katie (Steve) Sommers; three great grandchildren, Presley, Charlie and Ava; and special friend, Nancy King.
In addition to his parents, Dave was preceded in death by his first wife, Doris Hirschy in 2003; second wife, Ingrid Hirschy in 2019; brother, Paul Hirschy; and daughter-in-law, Kathy Hirschy.
Family and friends are invited to visit at the Secor Funeral Home in Willard on Monday, May 20, 2024 from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Dave’s funeral service will be held at the funeral home on Tuesday, May 21, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. Burial will take place at Toledo Memorial Park in Sylvania, Ohio at 1:30 p.m. Memorial contributions can be made to Willard City Schools. Online condolences can be left for the family by visiting www.secorfuneralhomes.com.
Condolences
Patty Reppart - May 30, 2024
Dave, Tim and families - I’m sorry to learn of your dad’s passing. You all are in my prayers. ❤️🌹🙏🙏
Jude Chapman - May 22, 2024
So sorry for your loss...your family is in my prayers.
Diane (Hastings) Dryer - May 22, 2024
David, Tom and families, I am sorry to hear about the loss of your dad. After my very first day of teaching at WHS, Dave was the one person who stopped by my room to ask how my first day went. He remained a type of mentor for me and then a colleague and friend. He was a good man and will be missed by the community. My prayers are for your comfort and peace.
Dick and Phyllis Quinn - May 21, 2024
Dave & Tom: Your Dad's service not only to the Willard schools, but also to the entire community is an inspiration to all of us. As the Bible says "Well done, good and faithful servant".
Keith Miller - May 20, 2024
The thing I liked best about working with Dave was his ability to tell you what he thought and I always knew where I stood with him. I respected him and learned a great deal from him. He faced many challenges in his various positions in the school system and handled them with the best interest of the community in mind. He was an involved, "hands on" person who offered advice and guidance when I needed it. He definitely made an impact upon my educational career.
Ethan Wenninger - May 20, 2024
Coach Hirsch, Sorry for your loss. Prayers for you and your family.
Donna Weaver - May 19, 2024
Dave sorry to hear of your dad's passing. I remember him from school not only as a principal but also as a teacher. I waited on him as a customer and he was and will always be Mr. Hirsch to me. May he rest in peace.
Marsha Ganni - May 19, 2024
Dave and family, Sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. He was my Business Ed teacher and class advisor (class of 1968) He will be missed by many. Sending prayers
Kenneth Dean Risner - May 18, 2024
If anyone man could be a father figure to the fatherless it would be MR HIrschy. I remember my first time in the JR High when he was principle and was giving us new students a tour of the school and explaning the do's and do nots. He was a strict man and made it clear he would not tolerate and kind of shennanigans. Honestly I was afraid of him at first but soon saw the gentle side. One day at school I had tore a piece of my clothing and he took the time to drive me home and waited on my while I changed, then took me back to the school. On the way there and on the way back he talked to me asking how I'm doing and am I ok, just like my own dad would do. I will never forget this and was comfortable after that. He was a good man and I will miss him
Marcia Earl Humpal - May 18, 2024
Add me to the list of WHS typing students who were taught this invaluable skill by Mr. Hirschy. He also was our class of 1966 advisor. My deepest sympathy to the family of this very accomplished man.
Valerie Collins - May 17, 2024
He will be missed. Prayers for the family.
MARY DE LA CRUZ (SMITH) - May 17, 2024
MANY PRAYERS TOM TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY, I REMEMBER MANY DAYS COMING IN LATE WHILE IN 7TH & 8TH GRADE AND HE WOULD ALWAYS BE WAITING FOR ME AND TELLING ME WE GOTTA REALLY WORK ON THIS PROBLEM AND HE WOULD LAUGH ABOUT IT AND SAY GET TO CLASS. MANY DAYS HARD DAYS AHEAD BUT THE MEMORIES REMAIN IN YOUR THOUGHTS AND YOUR HEARTS FOREVER BLESS YOU ALL🙏
Diane & Mike Dellinger - May 17, 2024
So Sorry to hear of Dave's passing. He was a Wonderful Man. He always stopped and said hi whenever we would see him.
Sherry Long - May 17, 2024
So sorry to hear of the loss of your father. He always seemed to be a very gentle man. The education community has lost a great advocate. Thoughts and prayers with all at this time.
Doug & Shelly Back - May 17, 2024
Dave, so sorry to hear of the passing of your father. Please give our sympathy to your family. We will keep you in our prayers. Doug & Shelly
Kurt Jump - May 17, 2024
I took a 1 semester class called “Personal Typing” from Mr. Hirschy in the early 60’s. That little class got me through college, got me out of a lot of undesirable duties in the military, and continues to serve me well with today’s computers. I’ve gotten more mileage out of that class than any other. Fortunately, I took the opportunity to tell him that a few years ago. He was a very good man. Rest in peace, Mr. Hirschy.
Onyx Tedder - May 17, 2024
Thank you for doing so much for our community, you will always be in our hearts.
Kathleen V. Miller - May 17, 2024
I was sorry to hear of Mr. Hirschy's death. As my boss for many years, he was always kind and helpful. I also enjoyed knowing and teaching with Doris.
Dave Eavey - May 17, 2024
David and Tom so sorry to hear of Mr Hirschy's passing my deepest condolences to you and your family
Mark Smith - May 16, 2024
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. Hirschy. Dave, Tom and family, you have my sympathy... 🙏🙏
Mark Smith - May 16, 2024
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. Hirschy. Dave, Tom and family, you have my sympathy... 🙏🙏
Darrin Colegrove - May 16, 2024
I just asked someone the other day " I wonder if Dave is still around and how he is doing" I worked on all of the schools office equipment there for many years and that was maybe 25 to 30 years ago. Every Friday after I was done up there I would stop by his office and I would meet up with him and all the other school principals. We had some good times and many laughs after the work week in his office. Dave was a super nice guy and I was sad to hear of his passing. He was a good man, Prayers for him and his entire family.
Margaret Drury - May 16, 2024
Dear Hirschy Family, your dad taught me typing in summer school!! That has been a vey helpful skill I have used ever since high school!!!!! Mr. Hirschy was a wonderful teacher, and administrator, and gave a lot of himself to the Willard community. He will be greatly missed.!
Francine (Doan) Smith - May 16, 2024
Remember Mr. Hirschy when I was in school in the 60’s. My deepest sympathy. May your memories warm your hearts and you feel the Lords comfort and love. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
Pam Lucas Dwight - May 16, 2024
Dave, Tom, and families, I'm so very sorry to hear of your dad's passing. He was a blessing to so many. Hoping you can find comfort in your memories and the legacy he has left in Willard.
Greg McDowell - May 16, 2024
It was the Spring of 1972 and time for the Junior High Dance. I was dressed to kill in my bell bottoms, platform shoes and light jacket. The Cafeteria was decorated with crepe paper and cool lights. Disco hadn’t yet found its way to WJHS. The lights were bright while the girls stood on one side of the room and the bucks on the other. We were mostly hanging by the snacks table munching on cookies and petrified by the does. Mr. Hirschy, our Principal, took charge of the situation. He paired an unwilling boy with an equally unsure girl and made us all dance. Soon, the floor was filled with dancing teenagers who were smiling and having fun. I have never forgotten that night some fifty years ago. My first slow dance ever was to “ Old Fashioned Love Song” by Three Dog Night. Thanks Dave!My sincere condolences to the Herschel family. We lost a gem.
Paul Coburn - May 16, 2024
So sorry to hear of Dave's passing. He was a friend of Mom and Dad's. I hope he forgives me for the hard time I gave him in school. I am sure he did.
Bob Ayres - May 16, 2024
Dave & Tom, it was sad to hear the news of your dad’s passing. I recall several times that your family & ours spent time together in our younger years, and many times when our dads refereed together. Your dad was a wonderful guy, always seeming to have an upbeat attitude and a smile/smirk on his face. I’ll miss him, and I’m sure he will be missed by many others as well. Kind thoughts and prayers are going out for you and the extended Hirschy family. May God provide strength and comfort for the difficult days ahead, and fond memories for the years to come.
William R. Foster - May 16, 2024
So sorry to hear this news.. My prayers for his boys.. Mr. Hirschy was my shining light in High School.. I took all his business courses. He helped more than any teacher I had.. also helped me get into Tiffin University. Because of his help.. I am grateful.. for what he did for me in my life. RIP.
Deb Kostoff - May 16, 2024
Sorry for your loss. In my prayers
Paul and Joyce Gase - May 16, 2024
So sorry for your huge loss. Dave rose to the highest ranks by the doing things the right way day after day, year after year. He cared deeply for his family, the school district and the community. We will be forever grateful for his faith and kindness in us. He helped a lot of people be better. His was a lode well lived.
Joe and Sue Ditz - May 16, 2024
Dave, Tom and families, we are saddened to hear of your dad’s passing. He was one of our teachers in high school and later a great friend. We had so much fun with your mom and dad. You are all in our prayers.
Peggy M Opatken - May 16, 2024
Dave was always friendly when I visited with Hirsch and him in our neighborhood. We shared the same birthday. He lived a full life!! May he rest in peace.
Jim & Jackie Ratliff - May 16, 2024
Dave, Tom and family, Our sincere sympathy to all of you. We have many wonderful memories of your mom and dad. Dave was one in a million and he will be dearly missed. Keeping all of you in our prayers.
Linda Veletean - May 16, 2024
Dave, Tom and family I am so deeply sorry for your loss. Your dad was not only my Business teacher but also a friend and a friend of my parents. Please know you have my deepest sympathy and will be in my prayers. It’s a very sad time when you lose a loved one. Prayers for all of you.
Charity Johns (Smith) - May 16, 2024
Tommy I am so sorry for loss. He will be greatly missed by many people. I had many chat’s with him and his second wife when they would come to Jim’s Pizza Box in Milan for dinner. I will keep you and your family in my prayers. RIP Mr. Hershey
Camela Loggins (Wimbley) - May 16, 2024
I’m so sorry to hear about your father. I remember him being one of the nicest men in Willard when I lived there. He was always so nice. I grew up with his son Tommy. My prayers are with you all during this time.
Camela Loggins (Wimbley) - May 16, 2024
I’m so sorry to hear about your father. I remember him being one of the nicest men in Willard when I lived there. He was always so nice. I grew up with his son Tommy. My prayers are with you all during this time.
Jeff & Linda Adams - May 16, 2024
David, sorry to hear your father, always enjoyed talking to him at drug mart, you're in are thoughts and prayers.🙏
Tim Opatken - May 16, 2024
I met Mr. Hirschy in 1999 as an incoming teacher. He is truly a class act as seen by his many accomplishments & service to the Willard community. Your entire family I know is extremely proud of Mr. David Hirschy as well as felling this moment of loss. 🙏🏽
Elizabeth Maldonado - May 16, 2024
My deepest condolences . Prayers for the family. I would see Mr. Hirschy daily at the post office and would often chat about business and the community. Prayers for strength and healing ❤️🩹
Kellie Shook - May 16, 2024
I’m so sorry to hear this. He was a kind man and always had a story for me while I cut his hair the last few years. He was so proud of his family and community and will be missed by all that knew him. Prayers to his family.
Pam Milligan - May 16, 2024
So sorry to see this. He was such a nice man. I always enjoyed talking and visiting with him when he came to our office.
Marilyn Sands - May 15, 2024
David and Tom, I am thinking of you at this time of loss. May your memories of time spent with your dad bring you some comfort. Keeping you both in my prayers.
