Obituary for Norman "Ned" Kirsch
Norman (Ned) Kirsch , of Essex, VT, passed away on Wednesday, April 10, 2019. He was born to Charles and Anne (Schwartz) Kirsch in Southampton, NY. Ned was a 1984 graduate of Westhampton Beach High School, Westhampton Beach, NY. In 1988 he graduated from the University of Maine and continued his studies at The Vermont Law School where he received his Masters of Studies in Environmental Law (MSL) and his Juris Doctorate of Law. At the University of Vermont he furthered his commitment to education and earned his Certificate of Advanced Study in Educational Leadership.
Ned joined the Milton School District in 1995 where he was principal of Milton Middle School, and then continued to Essex Middle School where he served as principal from 2000-2010, before starting as a Superintendent for the Franklin West Supervisory Union in 2010-until present. Ned was recognized as Vermont Principal of the Year while he was working at Essex Middle School. Ned prioritized safety for the students and staff. He was a strong advocate for the physical, social, emotional and educational well-being of all learners. Ned was often and preferably in classrooms engaging with students about their learning. He always encouraged people to collaboratively move forward in the ever changing educational climate. As an innovator for change, he was instrumental in championing ways to make the global environment accessible for students in rural Vermont. He was a supporter of the Digital Promise League of Innovative Schools and a founding member of the rural cohort and Challenge Collaborative Steering Committee. While at FWSU, Ned worked with Spiral International encouraging students to interact with students from all over the world. He was an advocate for technology and innovative practices and defining the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Under Ned’s leadership in 2017, The Franklin West Supervisory Union was named a 21st Century Exemplar Program.
Ned was a dynamic educational leader bringing together educators with #VTed to unite and grow forward thinking among his peers. Ned was recognized at the White House with other Superintendents from across the country to support innovative practices in leadership, technology and helping to connect networks and communities.
Leadership qualities were evident early in Ned's life as he earned the rank of Eagle Scout In 2011, the Vermont Chapter awarded Ned the American Red Cross Certificate of Merit for using CPR to sustain the life of his eldest brother. Ned's vision for education, as well as life, was always evolving. He was an active participant on multiple organizational boards and committees at the local, state and national levels.
Ned loved the mountains of Vermont and the beaches of Westhampton. He was an avid skier, creative cook, and world traveler. Among his passions were sports, politics, personal and professional beliefs, reading, storytelling and any and all traditions. Ned loved letting go in the garden, kicking back with music, family, friends, and pets. His infectious smile, humor, laughter, quick, witty ways brought energy to any room or space. Ned's dynamic personality radiated confidence. He nurtured and inspired others to grow and never give up. Ned was strongly dedicated to being a responsible and affectionate provider for his family. His most treasured roles in life were as husband, dad, son, brother, uncle, and friend.
Ned was predeceased by his father Charles Kirsch and his brother and sister in law, Jeffrey and Nancy Kirsch. He is survived by his wife Coree (Greenbaum) Kirsch of 23 years, and his beautiful children, Abigail (Abby), and Colby and his favorite dog, Addison. He is also survived by his mother Anne (Schwartz) Kirsch of Westhampton Beach, NY, brother David (Joan) Kirsch of Essex, CT and his sister Pam (Mike) Magnan of Bethlehem, PA, in laws Art and Sue Greenbaum, sister in law Kari Greenbaum and Kaija Johnson and nephews DJ Kirsch, Riley Kirsch, Jacob Magnan, Samuel Magnan, and niece Molly Magnan.
There will be a Celebration of Life in Ned’s honor on Saturday, June 1, 2019 at 3:00 p.m. at Collins Pearly Complex, 890 Fairfax Road, Saint Albans, Vermont 05478.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in loving memory of Ned can be made to: Essex Rescue, Inc., 1 Educational Drive
Essex Junction, VT 05452.
We thank first responders and professional providers for helping us navigate this difficult time. Our deepest gratitude is extended to family, friends, colleagues the community and all those that knew Ned. Your love, comfort and caring ways continue to give us strength.
Ned, you will always be missed but with us forever in our healing hearts. Go Mets! Go Jets! “R-E-L-A-X, relax"
Ned joined the Milton School District in 1995 where he was principal of Milton Middle School, and then continued to Essex Middle School where he served as principal from 2000-2010, before starting as a Superintendent for the Franklin West Supervisory Union in 2010-until present. Ned was recognized as Vermont Principal of the Year while he was working at Essex Middle School. Ned prioritized safety for the students and staff. He was a strong advocate for the physical, social, emotional and educational well-being of all learners. Ned was often and preferably in classrooms engaging with students about their learning. He always encouraged people to collaboratively move forward in the ever changing educational climate. As an innovator for change, he was instrumental in championing ways to make the global environment accessible for students in rural Vermont. He was a supporter of the Digital Promise League of Innovative Schools and a founding member of the rural cohort and Challenge Collaborative Steering Committee. While at FWSU, Ned worked with Spiral International encouraging students to interact with students from all over the world. He was an advocate for technology and innovative practices and defining the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Under Ned’s leadership in 2017, The Franklin West Supervisory Union was named a 21st Century Exemplar Program.
Ned was a dynamic educational leader bringing together educators with #VTed to unite and grow forward thinking among his peers. Ned was recognized at the White House with other Superintendents from across the country to support innovative practices in leadership, technology and helping to connect networks and communities.
Leadership qualities were evident early in Ned's life as he earned the rank of Eagle Scout In 2011, the Vermont Chapter awarded Ned the American Red Cross Certificate of Merit for using CPR to sustain the life of his eldest brother. Ned's vision for education, as well as life, was always evolving. He was an active participant on multiple organizational boards and committees at the local, state and national levels.
Ned loved the mountains of Vermont and the beaches of Westhampton. He was an avid skier, creative cook, and world traveler. Among his passions were sports, politics, personal and professional beliefs, reading, storytelling and any and all traditions. Ned loved letting go in the garden, kicking back with music, family, friends, and pets. His infectious smile, humor, laughter, quick, witty ways brought energy to any room or space. Ned's dynamic personality radiated confidence. He nurtured and inspired others to grow and never give up. Ned was strongly dedicated to being a responsible and affectionate provider for his family. His most treasured roles in life were as husband, dad, son, brother, uncle, and friend.
Ned was predeceased by his father Charles Kirsch and his brother and sister in law, Jeffrey and Nancy Kirsch. He is survived by his wife Coree (Greenbaum) Kirsch of 23 years, and his beautiful children, Abigail (Abby), and Colby and his favorite dog, Addison. He is also survived by his mother Anne (Schwartz) Kirsch of Westhampton Beach, NY, brother David (Joan) Kirsch of Essex, CT and his sister Pam (Mike) Magnan of Bethlehem, PA, in laws Art and Sue Greenbaum, sister in law Kari Greenbaum and Kaija Johnson and nephews DJ Kirsch, Riley Kirsch, Jacob Magnan, Samuel Magnan, and niece Molly Magnan.
There will be a Celebration of Life in Ned’s honor on Saturday, June 1, 2019 at 3:00 p.m. at Collins Pearly Complex, 890 Fairfax Road, Saint Albans, Vermont 05478.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in loving memory of Ned can be made to: Essex Rescue, Inc., 1 Educational Drive
Essex Junction, VT 05452.
We thank first responders and professional providers for helping us navigate this difficult time. Our deepest gratitude is extended to family, friends, colleagues the community and all those that knew Ned. Your love, comfort and caring ways continue to give us strength.
Ned, you will always be missed but with us forever in our healing hearts. Go Mets! Go Jets! “R-E-L-A-X, relax"