Robert Birch's Obituary
Robert (Bob) Vincent Birch, 81, of Charlotte, NC passed away unexpectedly on July 28, 2024. He was born in Waterloo, NY to Paul L. and Emma Sorensen Birch.
Survivors are his wife of 60 years, Dorothy (Dottie) Toombs Birch, Daughter, Lori Warren and husband Jay; Son, Andrew Birch and wife Renee; Sister, Janet Krell and Clark Beasley; Grandchildren, Stephanie Warren, Justin Warren and wife Carrie, Cole Warren, Joseph Birch, and Sophie Birch. He was also looking forward to the birth of his first great-grandchild in November.
In addition to his parents, Bob was preceded in death by his sister, Mary Lawthers; brother, Charles Birch; sister, Dorothy Rapozo; and brother, James Birch. Bob graduated from RIT in Rochester, NY in 1975.
Bob and Dottie are members of St. John Neumann Catholic Church in Charlotte, NC where he served as a Lector and a member of the landscaping committee.
Bob’s incredible passion for serving others is evident throughout his life. Bob served in several volunteer fire departments spanning 38 years to include Waterloo Fire Department in Waterloo, NY; Woodlawn Fire Department in Allentown, PA; and Brookville Timberlake Fire Department in Lynchburg, VA before retiring to move to Charlotte, NC.
Although Bob was a CPA by trade, he was also a highly skilled carpenter. Bob passionately volunteered thousands of hours with Habitat for Humanity all over the country utilizing these gifts for the service of others. Bob was a cornerstone member for many different affiliates spanning 35 years to include: Lynchburg and Altavista, VA; Charlotte, NC. Bob served regularly outside of his local community through the Care-A-Vanners, where he and Dottie traveled up and down the East Coast assisting other local affiliates with their Building Program while staying in their travel trailer. Bob was also a relied-upon member of the Habitat for Humanity Road Trip Crazies, where he and his team rallied communities to raise multiple houses from the ground up over the course of a 3-day weekend. Bob’s passion for Building through Habitat was contagious, and if you knew him, he wouldn’t rest until you joined him for a day with Habitat. Bob recruited so many volunteers that they were coined ‘Bob’s Buddies’ by the Charlotte affiliate. Bob and Dottie have personally touched hundreds of lives through their service with Habitat providing safe, stable housing for the American Families that needed it the most.
The Family would like to sincerely express their gratitude for the outpouring of prayers, love, support, and well wishes they have received through this difficult time. Bob’s values and demonstration of a life lived for the worship of God, service to community, and unconditional love for family will leave an impactful legacy for generations to come.
In lieu of flowers, The Family would like to ask you to consider donating to Habitat for Humanity in remembrance of Bob Birch. Please see the link below to donate to Bob’s affiliate in Charlotte. https://fundraise.givesmart.com/form/6yctQA?_ga=2.192466346.1007417008.1673282893-1964107536.1655312245&vid=1706gy
A funeral mass will be held Monday, August 26 at 11:30 a.m. at St. John Neumann Catholic Church. Visitation will be 10-11:30 a.m. prior at the church.
James Funeral Home of Huntersville is serving the family.
What’s your fondest memory of Robert?
What’s a lesson you learned from Robert?
Share a story where Robert's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Robert you’ll never forget.
How did Robert make you smile?