Donald Louis Hirth, 91, passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 25, 2024, into the loving hands of Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

His early years were spent with his loving parents who taught him strong faith, morals, and values. He was the only child, born to Austrian Hungarian immigrants, whom he loved and appreciated by always supporting them in any way he could throughout their lives.

In Donald's early school years, it was discovered he was gifted and was promoted two grade levels. He could speak three languages and held close the history and traditions of his culture. His mother, a joyful, sharp-witted woman, was a master at managing the household and made sure to care for all their family's needs during the difficult times of the depression. His father, a quiet, gentle, and hardworking man, taught him the art of masonry and stonework. They helped construct many buildings in the city of Chicago and its surrounding areas. Donald built his first home from the ground up.

He also learned piano from his father, who could play several instruments by ear and was self-taught. Together they played with the big bands in the late 1940s and early 1950s for churches and various venues. In 1954 Donald fell in love, married a beautiful vivacious and loving Italian woman. Two years later he was drafted into the United States Army and was sent to Germany where he served as a Medic.

Thereafter, he sought a career as a firefighter in the Chicago suburbs. He found a brotherhood amongst his peers and forged long lasting friendships with them. He worked his way up from Captain to Fire Marshal. This included the management of the Fire Prevention Bureau, where he enjoyed going to schools to educate children about fire safety.

A memory he had a fondness for sharing was a time working as a firefighter on security support, where he had the privilege to shake the hands of President Gerald Ford and Chicago Bears running back, Walter Payton.

After a long and rewarding career, he embraced family life in Florida and Mississippi. He enjoyed a full retirement with his wife of 35 years, and the mother of his three children until her passing in 1990.

Soon after, he found love again with a wonderful, kind, and gentle woman, who had been recently widowed. Together, they had many interests, trips, excursions and shared 27 years of married life until her passing. Throughout his time with her, he had the gift of spending time with her two children and grandchildren, whom he loved and appreciated.

He eventually settled back in Florida, spending time with his children, grandchildren, and his great-grandchild.

He was also loved by numerous nieces and nephews, who held a special place for him in their hearts. These memories for him remained as well; lasting and loving.

He became a member of the Knights of Columbus in the late 1980s and participated in their charitable work. While in Mississippi, he joined St. Vincent de Paul. Through that ministry, he taught English and distributed resources to help the poor in his community.

He was a strong minded, independent, faithful man to the end, who was a good listener and offered whatever advice and wisdom he could to others when asked. He was a good and honorable gentleman who will be loved and dearly missed.

He kept his faith and was true to it, and in times of struggle he would pray, "Jesus I trust in You." He prayed daily and had an enduring devotion to the Eucharist, Rosary, and Divine Mercy Chaplet. He displayed great courage and always relied on the Lord, who took care of his every need.

He passed during the 3 o'clock hour, surrounded by loved ones, with the full Sacraments of the Church.

God blessed his life in many ways, and he knew it. He blessed others in kind during his lifetime, whenever he was able. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. May Donald continue to be blessed and enjoy everlasting life through Jesus Christ in heaven.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held 9:30am Tuesday, June 11, 2024, at the Basilica of St. Michael the Archangel, with Fr. Raymond Herard celebrant. Interment will follow at Barrancas National Cemetery with military honors.

Honorary pallbearers will be members of the Knights of Columbus.

In lieu of flowers, Donald would prefer donations to Catholic Campus Ministries, c/o Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Church, 9945 Hillview Dr., Pensacola, FL 32514 (p:850-477-3221)