John Joseph Hirt

John Joseph Hirt, a man of profound faith, quiet dependability, and earnest devotion to his family, passed away peacefully on May 20, 2026, at White Horse Village in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, surrounded by his loved ones. He was 85 years old. 

Born in Piqua, Ohio, on March 19, 1941, to the late Dorothy and Robert Hirt, John remained deeply proud of his roots. His childhood was filled with special memories of Piqua, where he helped care for his five sisters and two brothers and worked alongside his father at Hartzell Fan. After graduating from Piqua Catholic High School, he earned a BS in Business from the University of Dayton in 1963.

John served his country with honor as an officer in the U.S. Army stationed at Fort Meade, Maryland. It was during this time that he met his beloved wife, Dianne. They were married on July 30, 1966, beginning a 60-year partnership. 

In the early 1970’s, John moved his family to the Philadelphia area to pursue new professional opportunities. He enjoyed a successful career as a director of IT services with companies such as Pennwalt, which is now part of Arkema Chemicals, Inc.  John was proud to be instrumental in his role with InspiriTec, an IT support services company that exists to empower disabled Americans. 

John and Dianne were residents of the Langstoon section of Marple Township for over four decades, where John served as president of the Home Owners Association.  John was a dedicated member and president of the Marple Newtown Jaycees.  This social circle evolved into the "dinner group," a collection of "forever friends" who traveled the globe together, with John’s unique sense of humor making these occasions even more memorable. 

After retirement, John enjoyed playing golf weekly at the Paxon Hollow Country Club.  His biggest claim to fame was captured in a "hole-in-one" he made before his steady golf partners. John began spending time volunteering in various circles, taking multiple trips to New Orleans for cleanup efforts after Hurricane Katrina, maintaining building facilities at Marple Presbyterian Church, and reading to children in the community at local elementary schools. 

John was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He was a steady, ever-present witness to his family's lives, rarely missing an opportunity to see his children's or grandchildren's activities.  This was his greatest joy. 

John is survived by his devoted spouse, Dianne; his children and their spouses, Kevin (Karen),  Kristin Cobb (Chip), and Jeff (Stephanie); his seven cherished grandchildren, R.K., Kayla, and Tyler Cobb, and Jack, Amanda, Emily, and Rachel Hirt; and his siblings, Mary Ann Houser, Nancy Brown, Kathleen (Kandy) Cianciolo, Joan Liddy, Ann Jaqua and Joseph (Buzz). He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, James. 

A celebration of John's life will be held on May 28, 2026. A visitation will begin at 10:00 AM, followed by a funeral mass at St. Pius X Church, 220 Lawrence Rd, Broomall, PA 19008.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in his honor to Inspiritec, Inc., 340 North 12th Street, Suite #200, Philadelphia, PA 19107 (inspiritec.org/donate/) or the charity of your choice.