Donald E Kirsch

Donald Edward Kirsch died Wednesday, February 10, 2021, at Saint Vincent Hospital.
Donald was born November 17, 1937, a son to the late John Robert and Jennie "Nancy" (Laskowski) Kirsch.

Don graduated from McDowell High School, Class of 1956, and began a 22 year service in the US Navy Reserves.  Following high school, he started work at First National Bank as a teller. Don worked there for over twenty years and during that time progressed to becoming a manager of multiple branch offices. Following his work in banking, Don became the owner of the Towne Terrace Inn Restaurant and Bar until his retirement in 2000.

Don had a love of dance spanning 50 years. As a young adult, he performed in floor shows and also in musical comedy acts in clubs in Erie and the surrounding region. Don also gave his time teaching various styles of dance to young students at Catherine Little's Dance Studio. For nearly 20 of his later years he continued his dance career performing with "Don and the Donettes" at senior homes in the area. Between working and dancing and a busy family life, Don managed to find time for acting at the Erie Playhouse and several regional community theaters. He enjoyed acting in independent films and commercials, and continued to pursue roles through his retirement. In his spare time Don enjoyed playing card games with friends and family, especially poker and bridge, and he even tried his hand at watercolor painting. He always had time for, and was thoroughly devoted to his family.

In addition to his parents, Donald was preceded in death by three brothers: John Kirsch, James Kirsch, and Joseph Kirsch.

Don will be greatly missed by his family which includes his wife Doris (Murphy) Kirsch with whom he shared 52 years; two daughters, Amy Kirsch and Heidi Vanicek (Rick); three sons, Donald Kirsch, Jr. (April), Daniel Kirsch, Michael Kirsch; three brothers, William "Bill" Kirsch (Linda), Melvin "Mel" Kirsch (Linda), Richard "Rick" Kirsch (Linda); a sister in law, Helen Kirsch; a brother in law Chuck Murphy; and six grandchildren, Dori Talifero, Anna Vanicek, Dan Vanicek, Derek Kirsch, Lydia Kirsch, and Owen Niedzielski; and many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to The Erie Playhouse 13 W 10th St, Erie, PA 16501 or All An Act Theatre 652 W 17th St, Erie, PA 16502 in honor of Don’s contributions to local community theatre.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Edder Funeral Home Inc.
To send condolences please visit edderfuneralhome.com

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