Dr. Gunther D. Hirsch was as significant a person in the development of Harford County, and especially Havre de Grace, as there was in the second half of the 20th century.
He could have boasted significant contributions personally, professionally and politically, but he wasn't given to boasting.
Dr. Hirsch, who died Monday at his Havre de Grace home at age 89, started life in Germany between the world wars. As he was coming of age, the Nazi party was coming to power. Being Jewish, his family had to make a decision, and they left their home country for Palestine.
It was in Palestine where he met his future wife, Poldi Rothenberg. The two would return to Europe – Switzerland, specifically – to pursue higher education. Dr. Hirsch earned his medical degree and his wife a degree in architecture.
The two would strike out for the United States, settling in Havre de Grace after Dr. Hirsch completed his medical internship in Pittsburgh, Pa.
In Havre de Grace, they began to leave their marks quickly. Poldi Hirsch designed distinctive buildings that still stand in the city. The two also worked to establish the Havre de Grace Art Show, which in the early days was much more focused on fine art than it is today.
He also was a driving force in an organization that brought the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra to Havre de Grace.
Dr. Hirsch became part of the medical leadership team at Harford Memorial Hospital even as he built a successful family medical practice.
He entered politics as part of a Havre de Grace political organization opposed to instituting a zoning code. Called Citizens Against Regressive Government, or CARGo, the organization didn't stop zoning, but it certainly affected the way it was implemented.
Dr. Hirsch was elected to several terms on the Havre de Grace City Council, and continued to serve as a public official and work as a physician even as Poldi was dying of cancer. As the end approached, he remained at her bedside.
After the death of Poldi Hirsch, Dr. Hirsch ran for, and was elected, mayor of Havre de Grace, a post he would hold for several two-year terms. He instituted a range of changes to the governmental structure, most notably consolidating the city's management under a city manager. In addition, he secured political support for construction of the city hall building now in use (and which was named in his honor after he left public life). While he was mayor, he married a second time, to Suzie Rossidou, who survives him. They paid for a public ceremony at the old city hall (now known as the old Opera House) that included a carriage ride through the city.
His time as mayor came to an end when he decided not to pursue another term, but within a short time he would run for Harford County Council president, a political feat of some note as he was a Democrat at a time when Republicans were increasingly winning county elections.
He brought his analytical eye, sharp wit and dry sense of humor to that office.
His public accomplishments were substantial, but personally he was devoted to his family. He and Poldi raised three daughters, who all earned medical degrees: Dr. Dahlia Hirsch, an ophthalmologist, Dr. Edna Hirsch, a dentist, and Dr. Elaine Hirsch, a podiatrist. Like their parents, all have shown commitment to various community projects.
No doubt this account lacks some of Dr. Hirsch's contributions to his community, but it does show just how much one person can accomplish in a lifetime. And anyone who got to know Dr. Hirsch, even on a casual level, can attest he had a good time doing that accomplishing.