Dr. Michael Hirsch, internist, to be buried today

DR. MICHAEL JACOB HIRSCH, M.D., an internist who provided medical services to underserved segments of society and maintained a private practice in the city, died on Fri., Feb. 27, 2015. He was 83.

Dr. Hirsch was a native and life-long resident of the city, having graduated from Alcee Fortier High School at the age of 14 in 1946. He earned a degree in biology after graduating from Tulane University and by 22 completed his M.D. following his studies at L.S.U. School of Medicine.

Following his residency, Hirsch became a pulmonology fellow at National Jewish Health in Denver, CO. He later served as a 1st Lt. in the Commissioned Corps of the U.S. Public Health Service and was the First Assistant Surgeon on the Navajo Reservation in Flagstaff, AZ.

Dr. Hirsch also served as a member of the physician team at Angola State Penitentiary, providing medical care to the inmates there. He was an emergency room physician at Flint-Goodridge Hospital and at several other area hospitals for many years. He also maintained a private practice in the city.

Hirsch enjoyed learning all of his life. He kept himself in good condition, working out often. He was a devotee of chess and enjoyed listening to music. He was also an avid reader and loved watching classic films.

Dr. Hirsch is survived by his five children Bernard Hirsch (Michal), Leonard Hirsch (Mayumi), Marc Hirsch (Faye), Lisa Hirsch Henriquez (Emile) and Catherine Cospelich and by six grandchildren.

Graveside services and burial will be held at 2:30 p.m today, Sun., March 1 at Jewish Burial Rites, 4321 Frenchman Street.

In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to the New Orleans Public Library Foundation, 938 Lafayette St., Romm # 102 New Orleans, LA 70113.

Arrangements are by Tharp-Sontheimer-Tharp Funeral Home, 1600 N. Causeway Blvd. For more information call 504-835-2341.