Mr. Robert W. Birch, 84, of Lee, passed away Friday, October 3, 2014, surrounded by his family. Born on January 16, 1930, in McKeesport, PA, he was the son of Bruce C. and Margery E. Birch. He was a graduate of Clairton High School in PA and earned his Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from the former Carnegie Institute of Technology-now Carnegie Mellon University. Robert served his country in the U.S. Army from 1955-1957. He and his wife, Dolores W. Birch, were married April 18, 1954, and together they have made their home in Lee since 1961. Robert worked for the Kimberly Clark Co. for 35 years, directing the startup and serving as the first manager of the Greylock Mill. After his retirement in 1987, Robert was elected to the Lee Planning Board, which he served on for 23 years. He also served on the Lee Community Development Corp. and the Berkshire Regional Planning Commission, and he was a long-time member and past president of the Tri-Town Rotary Club. Robert was a parishioner of the First Congregational Church of Lee, where he served on many Boards and Committees. Robert enjoyed camping and canoeing with family and friends and was a great lover of music. In addition to his wife of more than 60 years, Robert is survived by his daughter Rebecca A. Birch-Gutierrez and her husband, Marco Gutierrez; his son, Bruce C. Birch and his wife, Colette Bailey; and his daughter, Rachel E. White and her husband, Michael White. He also leaves two granddaughters, Katherine and Michaela White, and a sister, Mary E. Hiller. Calling hours will be Wednesday, October 8, from 4-7 PM at the Kelly Funeral Home, 3 Main Street, Lee, MA 01238. Funeral Services will be Thursday, October 9, at 11:00 AM at the First Congregational Church of Lee. A private burial service will follow for the family. Friends wishing to honor Robert's memory may make donations to the First Congregational Church of Lee Historical Preservation Fund.

Visitation Details

Wednesday, October 8th, 2014 4:00pm - 7:00pm, Kelly Funeral Home

Service Details

Thursday, October 9th, 2014 11:00am, First Congregational Church of Lee

Interment Details