Obituary

Richard Michael Hirth, Sr. (“Mick”), age 86 of Litchfield Park, AZ died October 26, 2019, in Litchfield Park, AZ. He was born September 25, 1933, in Cincinnati, OH, the youngest of two sons born to John and Betty (Price) Hirth. Known to his family and friends as “Mick” and to his grandparents as “Mickey Mouse,” Mick grew up in the Cincinnati suburb of Greenhills, OH. An outstanding athlete, he played football at Williams College in Williamstown, MA, as well as summer league baseball.

Mick served as a Tactical Fighter Pilot in the US Air Force for over 20 years, retiring with the rank of Lt. Colonel. He was a member of the first class of tactical specialists to graduate from the US Air Force Fighter Weapons School. He served two tours of duty in England and France, one tour in Korea, and one tour of duty in Vietnam. His prowess earned him the Distinguished Flying Cross among other medals and citations. He was highly trained in survival skills as well as combat skills; knowledge that saved his life when his F84 crashed into Tampa Bay. A true patriot, he wanted others to learn from his experiences and sacrifices. He was in the midst of recording many of the ventures he had as a fighter pilot in a book that he was writing with a friend.

After retirement, Mick took up golf. He loved being on the links and had many great golfing buddies. He was an avid University of Arizona football fan. He and Shirley had season tickets and faithfully tailgated and cheered on the Wildcats for 25 years. Mick was also passionate about gardening. He was famous for his roses, but they were just a portion of the thousands of flowers that adorned his yard. He had 99 pots full of exquisite flowers, each lovingly cared for and hand-watered every day.

Mick’s care of his garden was only rivaled by his care of his family. He met his wife Shirley at RAF Bentwaters Officers’ Club while he was stationed in England. They found friendship as two Americans living in England, began dating and eventually married and raised three children. As a military family, they led very ordered lives. Mick ensured that he was home every night to eat dinner and spend time with his family. Weekends were filled with household chores and outdoor family activities. Family time was precious to Mick and his children felt his love and constant care for them. He loved to go to spring training games, especially Cincinnati Reds’ games, and often took his children with him, even taking them out of school so they could attend. Those beloved outings continued until the last year of his life.

Mick volunteered as a Boy Scout leader and Scoutmaster for Litchfield Park Troop 90 for many years. He would often take his troop on campouts and backpack trips, always making sure that his daughters were included as well as his son in those outings. He stayed involved in the Litchfield Park community and served on various town committees.

Mick’s faith was an integral part of his life. He was an active member of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church since 1971. He served as a eucharistic minister, was a member of the building committee, and in the men’s club where he loved to organize fish fries. His deep devotion to his religion formed the foundation of faith that his children have built on.

Mick is survived by his wife, Shirley Hirth; daughters, Jenni Petersen (Tim), and Suzy Brimmer (Robb); son, Mike Hirth (Jena); brother John Hirth (Marty); and seven grandchildren, Jake Wachtler, Hutton Wachtler, Max Hirth, Luke Hirth, Madeline Hirth, Cole Petersen, and Kaitley Petersen. He was preceded in death by his parents, Betty and John Hirth.

A visitation will be held from 6-8:00 pm, with a rosary at 7:00 pm, Sunday, November 10, 2019, at Thompson Funeral Chapel, 926 S. Litchfield Road, Goodyear, AZ.  Military honors will begin at 11:00 with a mass to follow on Monday, November 11, 2019, at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 13720 W. Thomas Road, Avondale, AZ 85392 with a reception to follow at Palm Valley Golf Club. Interment will be at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 23029 N. Cave Creek Road, Phoenix, AZ 85054 at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to Hospice of the Valley, Wounded Warrior Project or BSA Troop 90.