Joseph F. Hirsch

Joseph F. Hirsch  Beloved Father, Grandfather and Husband

Portville- Joseph F. Hirsch, of Portville, NY passed away on Saturday, June 22, 2024, surrounded by loved ones at 86 years of age. Joseph (Joe) was born on March 7, 1938, in Kane, PA. He was the son of Eugene B. Hirsch and Gladys I. (Rifle) Hirsch.

Joseph was a graduate of Smethport’s high school class of 1957. Joseph continued his education at the General Motors Training Center in Clarence, NY. Throughout Joe’s career he continued to seek out professional development trainings at the GM Training Center. Known as being a perfectionist in his trade amongst his colleagues, Joe was always interested in furthering his knowledge of current autobody techniques, processes, and materials. He was often thought of as a pioneer of bringing that learning back to the Portville-Olean area and mentoring many individuals within this career path.

Joseph began his career working at the Kendall Gas Station and Auto Repair business in Smethport, which was owned by his father. As a young man of 16 years, he was already fixing and painting cars. His father would often remark that Joe changed the color of his car so frequently he was never sure what color the car would be when he drove home. While working at the Kendall Gas Station and Auto Repair business, he met his first wife, Anne Kinsey, and they were married in North Carolina on November 29, 1963. At this time, Joe was working for Joe Bokman Pontiac-Oldsmobile dealership in Olean, NY. The couple then decided to move to North Carolina where Joe worked at Highpoint Chevrolet for a short time. Upon his return to NY state, he began his long-standing relationship with the Bokman family and had his two daughters, Mary and Susan. Joseph would return to work for Joe Bokman Pontiac-Oldsmobile for several

years and then would continue working with the Bokman family under the ownership of Butch Bokman. Joe would continue his professional career with Guy Schmidt Cadillac of Wellsville and Al Stakel Cadillac, Buick, Jeep, and Pontiac at Northgate.

In 1972, Joseph started Joe Hirsch Auto Body Repairs. The flexibility of owning his own business provided him with the opportunity to work with many of the local car dealerships in the area and to offer his services to personal clients as well. In 1991, he began a relationship once again with the Bokman family at Rick Bokman, Inc. Pontiac, Buick, Cadillac, and GMC trucks in Olean where he was hired as the manager of Rick Bokman Auto Body. Even after his retirement in 2000 Joe could still be found in his own garage working on clients’ cars.

Joe will always be known by family and friends as the “car guy”. His knowledge of all makes and models of cars was impressive. His understanding and dedication of the auto body business could not be matched. Everyone knew if you wanted your car fixed right, you came to Joe Hirsch. At one time, people from all over the country searched out Joe to have their sports cars, muscle cars, and show cars restored by Joe.

Joe was most proud of his family and was always active in family events. Joe had a special bond with his two daughters whom he raised. On June 17, 2000, Joe married Jean Jones and they made their home on Deer Creek Road in Portville. Joseph is predeceased by his parents and sister, Vivian Hirsch. He is survived by his wife Jean Hirsch, his daughters, Mary Hirsch-Schena, Susan Bokman (Mark), and grandchildren Ryan Bokman, Mathew Bokman, and Lily Schena. He is also survived by his stepchildren, Marilyn Adler, Susan Ford (John), Doug Jones (Linda), and Melissa Boyer, and several step grandchildren and great grandchildren.

A funeral, in Joseph’s honor, will be held at the Obi Community Church in Cuba, NY on Wednesday, June 26, 2024, at 11am with a Celebration Of Life gathering immediately following. Memorials may be made to the Obi Community Church.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Guenther Funeral Home, Inc., 1303 E. State Street, Olean, online condolences may be made at www.guentherfh.com.