Gunther Hirsch, M.D., Former HdG Mayor, Passed Away at 89

Information was provided by the Hirsch family.

Gunther Hirsch, M.D., passed away on June 15, 2015.

The former mayor of Havre de Grace facilitated construction of the city’s celebrated boardwalk and leaves his imprint in many other ways, such as founding the annual Havre de Grace art show. In fact, City Hall was named after him during a 2011 dedication.

Hirsch was born in Munich, Germany in 1925 and lived a typical childhood until forced to flee Nazi Germany at age 10.

Living in Palestine, he met his first love, Poldi, on the tennis courts. He had to quit school at age 12 to work in his father’s bakery.

Determined to be a physician, he studied to pass the medical entrance exams on his own, and left Palestine to go to Medical School in Geneva, Switzerland.

In 1954 he came with his wife and daughter Dahlia to the U.S.

He practiced general medicine for over 35 years in Havre de Grace, delivering many babies during that time. He was the first doctor in Harford County to have a non-segregated practice and opened the first urgent care clinic in Harford County.

Always the concerned citizen, Gunther spent eight years as Chief of Staff of Harford Memorial Hospital, eight years as Mayor of Havre de Grace encouraging rebuilding the infrastructure, and facilitating the construction of the waterfront boardwalk, and four years as Harford County Council President. He became close friends with many of his previous opponents and respected anyone who worked hard to better the community.

City Unveils Mayor Gunther Hirsch Government Center

As an activist/community enhancer one of his many accomplishments was starting and running the Havre de Grace Art Show, “The Million Dollar Mile.” He brought the Baltimore Symphony to Harford County and paid for tickets for students. He helped create the Harford Opera Company, which performed at Harford County at the College.

He loved exploring new places locally as well as travelled to over 80 countries and 40 states. He and his late wife Poldi, who is currently being honored at the Maryland AIA exhibit for Women in Architecture, enjoyed tennis, skiing, symphony, opera, art and coffee shops with good pastries, particularly plum cake!

After the untimely death of his wife Poldi in 1987, he married Suzie Rossidou, whom he spent 25 years with, travelling, and continuing his community service. Until the end he was sharp, humorous and engaged in the world around him.

In 2010 he published his autobiography, From Exile to Life, followed by his book about the medical system, entitled Sick.

He is survived by his wife Suzie Rossidou, and daughters Dr. Dahlia Hirsch, Dr. Edna Hirsch and Dr. Elaine Hirsch. Also his sons-in-law Dr. Barry Wohl, Stan Bliden, and Gary Getz and his wife’s children, George Rossides and Marie and Dimitri Hadjigeorgiou. Also his grandchildren Michael, Lauren and Margot Wohl, Elon and Aaron Bliden, and Ben and Leah Getz, and Notis Hadjigeorgiou.

Service Information

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, June 18, at 11 a.m. at Temple Adas Shalom at 8 North Earlton Road in Havre de Grace, followed by a cemetery service at Hebrew Friendship Cemetery, 3600 East Baltimore Street, in Baltimore City.

Shiva service will be from 6:30-8:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 18, at 605 Giles Street in Havre de Grace and visitation will be on Friday, June 19, from 3-5 p.m. at 3913 East Baker Avenue in Abingdon.

Please visit Sol Levinson website for funeral arrangements and Shiva services.

In lieu of flowers, donations could be sent to Hadassah-The Women’s Zionist Organization of America, Maagen David in Israel, The Boys and Girls Club (please be sure to note on memo line HDG branch) and Havre de Grace Opera House Foundation.