Richard Otto Birch

July 24, 1940- August 31, 2020

Richard Otto Birch "Poppy", Canaan N.Y, brother, father, grandfather, great grandfather, ex-husband, master plumber, restaurant/bar owner, accomplished road traveler, breakfast club member, 7 & 7 connoisseur, and lottery ticket enthusiast departed our lives to climb the golden staircase on Monday, August 31, 2020.

Richie loved having a good time with those around him, he enjoyed hunting and fishing, and driving endlessly on the back roads taking in the beauty of nature. Richie would share the same repertoire of jokes for his entire adult life, making you laugh just as much the fiftieth time, as he did the first. He would dance every chance he could sliding across the floor effortlessly, with a beautiful woman at his fingertips. His stories were unmatchable, and encompassing of a life that he built, and loved. He fought a courageous battle against the odds until the bitter end when he scratched his last lottery ticket.

He is survived by his children Richard Birch (Valerie), and Sondra Birch (Cris). and, unfortunately predeceased by his youngest child and son, Sean Birch. He especially fancied beautiful, and smart women as he shared a lifetime bond of friendship with his ex-wife Mary Birch, whom some never knew had divorced! His younger sister Margaret White (late John), who was not only his sister, but his best friend whom he adored. They had a relationship of protection and love that was formed as young children, and never broken. His grandchildren, Elizabeth Birch, Timothy Hilts Jr, Vincent Birch (Kathleen), Gabryelle Hilts (Dylan), Ondrea Hilts (Patrick) will always keep him close at heart as will his only great granddaughter Gianna Elizabeth. His nephew Bruce White (George), and his late nephew and godson Scott White (Yolanda), who joined Richie in his journey to climb the golden staircase on August 31, 2020.

Richie had life-long love affairs with frozen foods that he would keep in the refrigerator just to see if he could, collecting every trinket that he would find on his road journeys and placing them on a log outside his house, and watching the History channel.  He will be missed by all that had the honor of knowing him, and will always remain in our hearts.

Due to the current Covid-19 pandemic, the service will be private for family only. Burial will be in the Canaan Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at: 2 Pine West Plaza #202, Albany, NY 12205  For on-line condolences visit wenkfuneralhome.com