DALTON, Mass. — Robert Francis Kirchner Jr., “Kirch”, 89, of Dalton, Mass., passed away Sunday, December 17, 2017. 

He was born in Forrestville, Connecticut on May 17, 1927, son of Robert Francis and Alwilard Kirchner. He attended Dalton High School and graduated in 1946. He joined the U.S. Navy and was Honorably discharged in 1948. Robert completed a four-year apprenticeship as a cabinet maker in 1952. In 1953 he worked for E.F. Houserman as a Carpenter Foreman and then G.E. Ordnance, as a Maintenance Foreman in 1966 before coming Fire Chief for the Town of Dalton in 1974. 

He joined the Dalton Fire Department in 1961 and completed many training classes and became an instructor for EMT, CPR and later became Director of CPR training for the local Chapter from 1977- 1979. During those years Robert was a Pump Operator, and worked up the ranks to become Fire Chief. Robert retired from the Dalton Fire Department in 1986.

After his retirement, Robert worked in his wood shop, worked part-time as a finished Carpenter and enjoyed many trips around the country with his beloved wife Connie traveling on his motorcycle. Then later he would pull his Airstream along with his Motorcycle, spending winters in Florida. He was a member of New England Association of Fire Chiefs, Inc., Dalton American Legion, and past member of Lenox and Lee Sportsmen’s club.

He was married to the late Congetta M. Colombari, from Lee, Mass., in 1949; she passed in 2007.

He is survived by his brother, James W. Kirchner of Port Saint Lucie, Fla.; his son, Joseph R. Kirchner, his wife Lisa and their daughter Ruth of Hinsdale; his daughter Judith M. Wagner, her husband Bill, their son Jason and two daughters, Congetta and Kara Wagner and grandchild Zander Fernandes of Dalton; his sons, Peter R. Kirchner and his son Lee, and James W. Kirchner and his wife Tina, and their son Kyle, also of Dalton; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Funeral notice: The funeral for Robert Francis Kirchner Jr. will be held Thursday, December 21, 2017, at 10 a.m. at St. Agnes Church on Main Street, with the Rev. Christopher Malatesta officiating. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery.

Calling hours will be Wednesday, December 20, 2017, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Dery-Foley Funeral Home, 890 Main St., Dalton.