ROSCOE — Friends and family members solemnly  gathered in love and rememberance to celebrate the life of a familiar face in the community, Ralph Kirchner, at the Roscoe United Church Thursday morning.

Kirchner was born April 8, 1944 and passed on Friday, June 14. 

In 1962, Ralph graduated from Roscoe Central School and attended SUNY Morrisville. 

Kristie Gerber, his youngest daughter, believed that he studied automotives because it “seemed to make sense”. 

This was owing to the fact that he loved cars and the fact that nobody really knew what he studied, according to Kristie.

Upon his graduation in 1964, he ran Kirchner Chevrolet full time. He then married his loving wife, Bonnie.

On August 20, 1965, he became an active member of the Army National Guard in New York. Later down the line, Ralph, his eldest daughter Karrie, and Fritz took on Kirchner Chrysler Dodge Jeep.

He primarily spent many successful years of business there until both of his dealerships were closed.

Ralph was “so happy” when the sale went through for the Roscoe Fire Station moving into that building.

“He loved the fact that the buildings would continue to be used in Roscoe for something good, great and what he would say: ‘perrrfect’” Gerber lovingly recalled.

Officiating the funeral service was Reverend Christine Lindeberg. 

“Lord Jesus, we loved Ralph, but you loved him more,” recited Lindeberg. “We thank you for seeing it fit to place him into our lives. Thank you for the times we’ve shared with him and his death has left us broken even still.”

Joseph LeConey an associate of the Roscoe United Church which Ralph frequented, gave a touching homily in tribute to Ralph.

He fondly remembered how many who knew Ralph knew what a character he was.

“You were never a stranger for long when you were around Ralph,” stated LeConey. “He would light up any room with his trademark smile and laugh and good cheer.”

A very social and community-minded person, he understood that service to others was the way we “pay our rent for our room in Heaven.”

“He truly did that. Truly,” said LeConey. “Ralph was a good time waiting for a place to happen.”

Ralph was most proud of one of his many accomplisments in serving in the United States Army National Guard Reserve. From his 10 years of service, his love of the American flag grew.

He was stated to never walk by a veteran without stopping to talk with them about their military experience.

“We thank Ralph for his service as well,” stated LeConey.

LeConey also shared a few stories which he joked that Pastor Bridget [his wife] ensured were “clean”.

Kristie Gerber 

remembers her father

Gerber is Ralph’s youngest daughter of three children. In a touching moment, she emotionally thanked everyone for their kind words and outreach.

“It’s been a hard road the last few years, and your support has been truly meaningful and heartfelt,” Gerber touchingly stated.

She also thanked his dedicated nurses Carrie and Susan for being by his side and attending to his every need.

She recounted of how her dad was involved in sports, college life and Kirchner Chevrolet as a “young whipersnapper”.

It was also fondly remembered of how Ralph and his brother Fritz were the doubles Badminton champions of Sullivan County. This was an accolade he “held high” in his list of many accomplishments.

“I believe the story went that they were not supposed to be in the final championship game,” Gerber recounted. “However, somebody couldn’t make it down into Sullivan County where the championship was and they [Ralph and Fritz] got pulled in last minute and they won the whole thing.”

More about Ralph Kirchner and his active life can be read in his obituary in our June 18 edition.