Capt. Louis Meyer Hirsh, USN (Ret.)

Louis Meyer Hirsh, beloved husband, father and grandfather, passed away unexpectedly on May 1, 2020, in Benicia, CA. He was 70 years old.

Born to Morris and Vivian (Hurwitz) Hirsh, Lou grew up in Williamsport. A leader from an early age, Lou was student body president and a starter on the varsity basketball team in high school. Upon graduating from high school, Lou attended the United States Naval Academy, in Annapolis, MD. He graduated with the Class of 1971, earning top honors (Superintendent’s List) and a Bachelor of Science in engineering with mathematics.

After graduating from the Naval Academy, Lou served two consecutive tours in the Vietnam conflict onboard USS Leonard F. Mason. He served a third tour onboard USS Chicago. Recognizing his experience in combat systems, the Navy sent Lou ashore to be an instructor at the Fleet Combat Training Center in San Diego, where he completed his active duty service and joined the Naval Reserve. Lou remained in the reserves until retiring as captain in 1996, after serving numerous tours including Executive Officer of USS Gray reserve detachment, and Commanding Officer of detachments for USS Meyerkord and USS Waddell.

While a midshipman on summer duty in San Diego, Lou met Lisa Davis. They married in 1974 and settled in San Diego. Upon leaving active duty, Lou pursued a career in finance and earned an MBA in finance from University of San Diego in 1979. Lou joined the finance group at Pacific Bell (now AT&T) and, in 1981, Lou and his family relocated to Benicia, CA. Lou worked in corporate finance for AT&T and then Blue Shield of California until his retirement in 2016.

In retirement, Lou’s greatest pleasure in life was spending time with his grandchildren. Ever the basketball player, he initiated “Grandpa’s basketball training program” for his grandsons and attended every soccer game and swim meet he could. His granddaughters enjoyed hide and seek, visits to the park and endless pushing of swings. A highly indulgent babysitter, Lou was a devoted grandfather and the kids adored him. He maintained an active interest in investments and enjoyed gardening, walking and ballroom dancing. Lou always supported the Naval Academy and enjoyed attending reunions. He was active in his Jewish faith, volunteering and participating at the B’Nai Israel and B’Nai Tikvah Synagogues.

Lou will be sorely missed by his family and many friends. Lou is survived by his wife, Lisa; three children, Amy Hirsh Holtzman (Adam), James Hirsh, and Molly Hirsh Stevens (Eric); and grandchildren, Sam and David Holtzman, and Rose and Cora Stevens. Lou is also survived by his sister, Susan (Hirsh) Spira, brother, Richard Hirsh (Connie), and uncle Harold Hurwitz (Cate), as well as loving cousins and in-laws.

Memorial services with military honors will be scheduled at a later date at Miramar National Cemetery, San Diego. Donations in Lou’s memory may be made to the U.S. Naval Academy Friends of the Jewish Chapel, or the Gary Sinise Foundation.