William Z. Kirsch

William Zeno Kirsch, age 82, passed away in Hanford, CA on Wednesday, January 1, 2025. William was born in Spangler, PA and moved to Hanford, CA with his family as a young boy. In Hanford, he attended St. Rose-McCarthy Catholic School and St. Brigid Catholic Church, where he served as an altar boy. William graduated from Hanford Joint Union High School in 1960. He then continued his studies at the University of San Francisco, majoring in Finance, and received his degree in 1964. William then entered the Army and served as a First Lieutenant stationed in West Germany. Returning to California, he resided in Avenal, employed by the State of California Department of Water Resources. He was assigned to the California Aqueduct project, while also serving with the Army Reserves in Fresno. With the completion of the aqueduct in the early 1970s, he began working for the State of California Central Coast Water Quality Control Board as a Business Services Officer in San Luis Obispo. He retired in 1994 and moved back to Hanford to care for his aging parents until their passing.

William (Billy) is remembered by his family as a loving and generous person. He was always eager to share his knowledge on a wide range of topics, including political news, military stories, archaeology, and history.

He is survived by his sister Ann Kirsch, niece Lisa Kirsch, nephew Steven Kirsch, and sister-in-law Claire Kirsch.

He was preceded in death by his father Quentin “Bill” Kirsch, mother Rosaleen Kirsch, and brother Michael Kirsch.

Services will be held on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, beginning with visitation at 9:00-10:00 a.m. at Whitehurst-McNamara Funeral Home, 100 W. Bush St, Hanford, CA. Mass will follow at 10:30 a.m. at St. Brigid Catholic Church, 1001 N. Douty St, Hanford, CA. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery, 11680 S. 10th Ave, Hanford, CA.

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