Sylvester William Hirschmann

May 23, 1928 - October 12, 2020

Sylvester William “Bill” Hirschmann, born May 23, 1928, passed peacefully on October 12, 2020 at home with his family by his side. He was 92. Bill is survived by his beloved wife of 38 years, Bonnie (nee Hess) Hirschmann. He is also survived by 3 of his children, Richard, Diane and Cathy and was predeceased by his daughter Joann.

He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, cousin, uncle and friend. Bill served in World War II in the Army Band where he played the trumpet. He loved to wear his WWII Veterans hat, always enjoying the thanks he got from passersby! He loved the thanks that involved a free lunch!

Bill studied journalism at Temple University where he was the editor of the 1951 Templar Yearbook. He also worked in photography. He was very proud of a photo he had on the cover of Life Magazine. Bill returned to college to get his master’s in education. He taught classes from grade 3 to community college. He retired from teaching in 1988.

Bill had a great sense of humor and would tell endless stories, jokes and puns to entertain family and friends! He had a warm and easy smile and was a true gentleman. He was blessed with many loving friends. He enjoyed reading, crossword puzzles and traveling. Bill especially loved his 20 + years attending Temple football games at home and away. Bill will be missed by his two little dogs, Winston and Coco. Bill lived a full and colorful life. He will be remembered with love by all who knew him.

The family is planning to have services for Bill in May 2021, please check back for those details.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Bill’s memory may be made to Monkey’s House Dog Hospice, PO Box 2332, Vincentown, NJ 08088.

Egizi Funeral Home

william kresel

Leona Brody Aronovitch

Hayley Mossbrucker

Richard Acker

Bonnie

Richard Hirschmann

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In memory of Sylvester William Hirschmann, william kresel lit a candle

Bonnie and Bill, will I ever forget such a wonderful, special duo! Bonnie, Bill showed us all how much he loved you so, just by smiling when he spoke about you and when he looked at you. He made me smile whenever I saw him and how I enjoyed his hugs. Bill made me feel special whenever he saw me, Thank you Bonnie for sharing him and thank you Bill , for lighting our lives! Hugs and kisses to you, Bonnie (6 feet away)

Dear Bonnie and family. Our deepest sympathy goes out to you at this time. Bill will be missed. We always enjoyed your visits to Carlsbad for the past decade or more. He always made the kids laugh and performed silly tricks to entertain them. Bill is now resting in Heaven. Please let us know if there's anything you need. Love, Weis Family (from CA)

Dear Bonnie and Family, Walt and I will always remember all the things that the 4 of us did together. There were many good conversations and many good laughs! Bill was a kind, caring, intelligent and remarkable man who will be remembered by many. Heaven has gained another Angel. Rest in Peace, Bill until we meet again. With Love, Jean and Walt
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Bonnie & Family, So sad for the loss of Bill. He was the greatest guy. It was Always a pleasure to see Bill when he came to TJ to rescue us with one of our urgent projects for engraving new staff/name change for room door signage, Plaques and anything we could come up with, he was there with his efficient, meticulous skills. Bill was always kind, friendly and smiling which made him a Washington Township School District Treasure! Sincerely, Barbara Bennett

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Miss you so much, uncle Bill! Enjoy paradise!

You will always hold a special place in my heart. I will miss your puns and wonderful sense of humor. It was an honor to call you dad. You were the best father-in-law a man could ask for.

My dearest husband,I miss you so much already! You have left an empty space in my heart❤️

My father was the best of the best. A devoted father and loving husband to Bonnie, the love of his life. All who knew him will remember how he made them laugh and feel good about themselves but those who knew him best know he was much, much, more. As a young musician he brought joy to his fellow brothers in arms during WW2. Later he dabbled in journalism which morphed into a photography career including a photo chosen by Life magazine for the coveted Parting Shots page. As a boy he often took me on shoots. I was given access to places a boy of my age only dreamed about. My favorite assignments happened at the Atco Dragway where we had free access of the Pit area. There he introduced me to the racing legend "Big Daddy" Don Garlits. The first time I saw a dragster pull up to the line I couldn't make out the driver (because of the gas mask that was required) I said, "Daddy I can't see the driver." He looked at me with the wisdom only an educator can muster and said, "Oh those cars are too dangerous for real drivers so they use monkeys." I watched in glee for the rest of the afternoon as those crazy monkeys screamed down the strip at 100 miles an hour. He gave me his sense of humor, his compassion and empathy for all living things. But most of all he gave me the best roll model and taught me how to be a man. He set the bar higher for all of us. Until we meet again, I love you Dad.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.