Hirsch, Neil

NEIL HIRSCH passed away peacefully at home in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, on June 27, 2025, at the age of 96.

Born on March 19, 1929, in Rochester, New York, Neil was raised in the nearby village of Pittsford.  He was predeceased by his parents, Henry Hirsch and Dorothy Swan Hirsch; his siblings “little” Henry Hirsch, William (June) Hirsch, Audrey (Richard) Smith, Patricia (Howard) Quick, Francis Hirsch, Elizabeth (Lawrence) Prodrick; and his former wife, Mary Alice Hirsch.

Neil is survived by his five children:  Michael Hirsch, Belinda (Michael) Houck, Thomas (Cheryl) Hirsch, Jeffrey Hirsch, and Timothy (Rose) Hirsch. He also leaves behind five grandchildren: Peter (Hecmarys) Hirsch, Jessica Hirsch, Morgan (Cindy) Houck, Selena (Joshua) Lawrence, and Marlena (Matthew) Murria; and many nieces and nephews.

A proud veteran of the United States Army during the Korean War, Neil earned the rank of First Class Sergeant.  He was assigned to the Alaskan ski patrol where he trained young soldiers preparing them for battle, an experience that reflected both his leadership and strength.

Neil’s life was marked by an unwavering commitment to family.  After completing eighth grade, he left school to help support his father and siblings during challenging times.  His dad had to work two jobs with the country just coming out of a depression.  His mom went into the hospital with tuberculosis when Neil was just nine years old.  She remained there for ten years until she died when Neil was 19.  Neil visited his mom often in the hospital. She taught him history, the bible, and the rosary. Being worried about her young children at home, she asked Neil to keep the family together.  Neil kept this sacred promise close to his heart his entire life.  When becoming a homebuilder, he built homes for family members within the same neighborhoods, and had countless get-togethers, and was always there for family.

Through hard work and determination, Neil became a successful developer and builder. His companies developed hundreds of acres of land putting in pipes and infrastructure and constructed over 2,800 homes across Perinton, Pittsford, Canandaigua, and Boca Raton, Florida. He built prestigious Perinton Industrial Park, famed Eagle Vale Golf Club and owned over 200 rental properties throughout the Rochester area. He was proud to be the President of the Homebuilder’s Association and worked with politicians in New York as well as Washington for the betterment of the community and donated land for parks. He built quality homes with affordability in mind for young couples just starting out in life.  He was so grateful to those who bought his houses that he shared his good fortune by throwing extravagant “barn” parties with catering, orchestra, games, and endless prizes.  Hundreds would attend.

Neil was also a man of deep faith and generosity.  He supported numerous charities and was known for extending help to those in need.  At the end of a person’s life, he was the one to hold their hand, pray the rosary, and provide comfort.  

In his leisure time, he found joy in skiing and boating.  He enjoyed hosting ski trips at resorts all around the country and Canada and spending time with loved ones. Neil was interested in boats since he was a small child.  Over the years, he acquired a variety of boats of all sizes, teaching himself elaborate navigation systems.  He cruised all over the country and the Bahamas, inviting family and friends to join him along the way.  

As people learned of Neil’s death, comments were: “he was bigger than life”, “he was a legend”, “what a legacy”, and people shared stories of how he helped a loved one or themself.  Others said, “we all are proud to say we live in a Neil Hirsch home.”

Neil was grateful for his blessings.  He would often say, “I am very fortunate”. He was ready to meet Jesus and loved ones who have passed before him.  His last conscience act was putting his hands together in prayer before passing into eternal peace.

Neil’s legacy lives on through the lives he touched as a father, grandfather, uncle, veteran, builder and friend.  May his memory bring comfort to all who knew him.

A Funeral Mass will be held at Church of the Assumption, 20 East Avenue, Fairport, NY on Saturday, September 6, 2025 at 10:30am.  Afterwards, we will proceed to Pittsford Cemetery for a military send off.  A Celebration of Life will be held at Eagle Vale Golf Club, 4344 Fairport Nine Mile Pt Rd., Fairport, NY from 1:00-4:00.