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WESTON, Conn. John Jack Kirchner, a retired General Electric executive and devoted family man, died at his Weston home Jan. 12 after a battle with cancer. He was 75.
Born in Pittsburgh, Kirchner was the second child of George and Angela (Deimling) Kirchner. He graduated from the University of Notre Dame with a metallurgical engineering degree in 1958. He then studied at Harvard Business School, graduating in 1960 with a master's in business administration.
He began his employment with General Electric in 1960 all while serving in the Army Reserves until he was honorably discharged in 1966. His GE career spanned 37 years, and in his executive role, he traveled extensively both in and outside the United States.
At the start of his career, Kirchner met the love of his life, Marilyn Little, while working in Massachusetts. They were married in 1963. A lifelong athlete, Kirchner enjoyed playing tennis and golf. He was an avid reader, bridge player and crossword enthusiast activities he enjoyed with his wife.
The consummate family man, Kirchner valued his time with his family above all else. He especially enjoyed the annual family vacation to Cape Cod, Mass., watching his grandchildren play baseball and golfing with them.
Kirchner is survived by his wife of 48 years, Marilyn; their six children: Jennifer and husband Scott Chopskie of Trumbull, Jacqueline and husband Charles Connolly of Seattle, Jessica and husband Richard Sudusky of Northford, Janet and husband Gabriel Rossi of Easton, John Jr. and wife Kristen of Arlington, Tenn., Jeanne and husband Matthew Kehoe of Monroe; and 12 grandchildren: Alex, Grayson, Kiernan, Emily, Julia, Stephanie, Kyle, David, Jason, Kevin, Kayla and Grace.
He is also survived by his brother William Kirchner and wife Cheryl; his sister Mary Anne Dell-Yusko and husband James Yusko, all of Pittsburgh; his sister-in-law Eugenie Kirchner of Newport Beach, Calif.; and many nephews, nieces, cousins and friends. He was predeceased by his brother George Kirchner and his parents.
A funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Weston at 10 am. Jan. 17. Memorial contributions may be made to the Weston Volunteer EMS at 52 Norfield Road, Weston, CT 06883.
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