Obituary for Marvin Kirsh
On Thursday February 4, 2021, Dr. Marvin M. Kirsh, formerly of Baltimore, MD, passed away at the age of 87 in San Jose, CA as the result of complications from multiple illnesses. Predeceased by his beloved wife Helen, he is survived by his siblings, Lee (Sandy) and Ruth (J. Martin Rochester), his daughter, Janice Zalk (David), his son, Steven (Sudha) and six grandchildren, Joshua, Jacob, Jesse, Michelle, Daniel, & Emily.
Dr. Kirsh was born in Baltimore, MD to Fannye and Dr. Milton Kirsh in 1934. He attended Johns Hopkins University for his undergraduate studies and received his medical degree at University of Maryland. He went on to complete training in general and cardio-thoracic surgery at the University of Michigan. He remained on staff, and his career was a testament to his dedication and accomplishment as a surgeon and a scholar. He was a prolific researcher, producing hundreds of papers, chapters and textbooks. Of all his activities though, teaching and mentorship were his greatest love, which he continued until late in his life. He felt a deep responsibility to steward the next generation of surgeons. He was revered by his residents and fondly remembered for the many anecdotes and quotes that reflected his unique teaching style. Dr. Kirsh retired as Chief of Cardiothoracic Surgery at the Ann Arbor Veterans Administration Hospital in 2005. In recognition of his accomplishments and service, the University of Michigan established the Helen F. and Marvin M. Kirsh Professorship in Cardiac Surgery.
Dr. Kirsh met and married Helen and raised his children in Ann Arbor. They were passionate Michigan Wolverine football fans and he had a “shrine” in his home that included various memorabilia, including the distinct M logo blocked into the basement carpet. Even when football season was long over, there was not a week that went by where he didn’t talk with a family member or friend about the highlights of past games, questionable coaching decisions, misdeeds, or bad calls.
Dr. Kirsh left his greatest legacy to his family by his many acts of devotion and kindness. He took care of his wife during many years of illness with the utmost tenderness. As Pop-Pop he understood each of his grandchildren, celebrating their unique interests, personalities and talents. He was keenly aware of their activities and always told them how proud he was of their accomplishments. His relationships with his family are indelible and he never shied from saying how much he loved them. As a brother he adored and teased his siblings and reveled when they became parents, grandparents and then great-grandparents. He knew the names, locations and activities of the multiple generations in this large and loving family. To his colleagues he was affectionately known as “Carvin Marvin.” To his close friends he was Marvin. His grandchildren lovingly called him Pop-Pop and to his children, he will always be their beloved “Dad.” To all that knew him, he will be deeply missed.
Shiva services will be held via Zoom.If you would like to participate please contact sjkirsh13@gmail.com for the link.
Dr. Kirsh was born in Baltimore, MD to Fannye and Dr. Milton Kirsh in 1934. He attended Johns Hopkins University for his undergraduate studies and received his medical degree at University of Maryland. He went on to complete training in general and cardio-thoracic surgery at the University of Michigan. He remained on staff, and his career was a testament to his dedication and accomplishment as a surgeon and a scholar. He was a prolific researcher, producing hundreds of papers, chapters and textbooks. Of all his activities though, teaching and mentorship were his greatest love, which he continued until late in his life. He felt a deep responsibility to steward the next generation of surgeons. He was revered by his residents and fondly remembered for the many anecdotes and quotes that reflected his unique teaching style. Dr. Kirsh retired as Chief of Cardiothoracic Surgery at the Ann Arbor Veterans Administration Hospital in 2005. In recognition of his accomplishments and service, the University of Michigan established the Helen F. and Marvin M. Kirsh Professorship in Cardiac Surgery.
Dr. Kirsh met and married Helen and raised his children in Ann Arbor. They were passionate Michigan Wolverine football fans and he had a “shrine” in his home that included various memorabilia, including the distinct M logo blocked into the basement carpet. Even when football season was long over, there was not a week that went by where he didn’t talk with a family member or friend about the highlights of past games, questionable coaching decisions, misdeeds, or bad calls.
Dr. Kirsh left his greatest legacy to his family by his many acts of devotion and kindness. He took care of his wife during many years of illness with the utmost tenderness. As Pop-Pop he understood each of his grandchildren, celebrating their unique interests, personalities and talents. He was keenly aware of their activities and always told them how proud he was of their accomplishments. His relationships with his family are indelible and he never shied from saying how much he loved them. As a brother he adored and teased his siblings and reveled when they became parents, grandparents and then great-grandparents. He knew the names, locations and activities of the multiple generations in this large and loving family. To his colleagues he was affectionately known as “Carvin Marvin.” To his close friends he was Marvin. His grandchildren lovingly called him Pop-Pop and to his children, he will always be their beloved “Dad.” To all that knew him, he will be deeply missed.
Shiva services will be held via Zoom.If you would like to participate please contact sjkirsh13@gmail.com for the link.