Glenn Birch

Glenn Birch, 69, of Butler, passed away at 6:10 p.m. Thursday, at Butler Memorial Hospital. He was born in Butler on March 16th, 1943, and was a son of the late John G. and Delores M. (Lorenz) Birch. Glenn was a veteran of the U.S. Army serving during the Vietnam era, and was involved with training officers of allied countries and spent considerable time as an advisor in the Congo, Liberia, Cambodia, and Vietnam. He was a member of the Moose, Elks, Italian Society of Butler, Slovak Sokol Society, Brockway Sportsmen’s Club, the Butler County Military Veterans Committee, AMVETS, American Legion Riders, Sons of the American Legion, and an active member and officer of American Legion Post 117. During his 25 years of service to The American Legion, Glenn was elected to numerous offices at Post 117, was bestowed many awards and honors, established and chartered the Sons of The American Legion Squadron 117, and as Finance Officer for several years, played a major role in both the fundraising and building of the new Post Home on Main Street. During this time, he was actively involved in fundraising to support veterans at the VA Medical Center and many other community programs, was instrumental in establishing the Korean War Monument and the World War II Monument in Butler’s Diamond Park, and helped many veterans and their families through difficult times. In 1995, he originated the Butler Flag Project that began with 14 flags and now maintains over 70 American flags flying proudly in Downtown Butler. In 2003, he was awarded Butler County Veteran of the Year. Most recently, Glenn was the Commander of American Legion Post 117 from 2004 until the time of his death. In 2011, He was awarded the Pennsylvania American Legion Commander of the Year. Glenn also touched a lot of lives, and enjoyed the many friendships he built over the years. G lenn was an avid fisherman, and enjoyed hunting, watching sports, an occasional trip to the casino and playing cards. He also cherished time spent with his family. Surviving are his loving wife of 46 years, Bonnie (Kaiser) Birch; two sons, Brian Birch and his wife Martha, and Greg Birch; two granddaughters, Vanessa and Victoria Birch; his sister Donna M. (Birch) Bergbigler; and mother in law, Dorothy L. Kaiser, all of Butler. Glenn was proceeded in death by his brother C. Thomas Birch. Private memorial services will be held by the family. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory are suggested to ‘Operation Home Base’ c/o American Legion Post 117, 413 South Main Street, Butler, PA 16001.

Glenn Birch

March 16, 1943 - August 30, 2012