Joseph P. Birish

Joseph P. Birish of Goshen, a lifetime area resident, died on Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2012, at The Valley View Center for Nursing Care and Rehabilitation, Goshen. He was 93.

Son of the late Paul and Susan Chanko Birish, one of nine children, he was born April 27, 1918, in Tuxedo. He was the widower of Beatrice Smith Birish.

He was a retired laborer with Union Carbide Corp. of Sterling Forest. He was an Army Air Force Veteran of World War II, serving in the Pacific Theater in a B-29, 17 Group on Tinian Island in the Pacific. He was a member of the Tuxedo Fire Department. He enjoyed the outdoors — hunting, fishing, gardening — and was a proficient golfer who represented the Tuxedo Fire Department in winning many tournaments.

Survivors include his three sons, Michael of Tuxedo, William of Suffern, and James of Goshen; sisters, Helen Guntsch of Warwick, Mary Doolittle of New Jersey, and Frances Zielinski of Mahwah, N.J.; 5 grandchildren, six great\-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was predeceased by his wife, Beatricel his son Joseph; daughter Beatrice Kimmenau; brothers Major, Michael, John and George; and his sister Susan Retz.

Visitation was held Feb. 17, at Smith, Seaman and Quackenbush Funeral Home, Monroe. A graveside service was held Feb. 18 in St. Anastasia Cemetery, Harriman, with Deacon Brian O'Neill officiating.