After a courageous battle with cancer, Joshua M. Kirchmyer, 51, of Franklin, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 30, 2021 in the arms of his beloved life partner Erin E. Lynch.
Born in Cambridge on July 9, 1970, he was the son of Kathleen (Schaefer) Kirchmyer of Franklin and the late Thomas Kirchmyer. Joshua was predeceased by his wife Michele (Montville) Kirchmyer.
In addition to his mother, he is survived by his son Joshua Kirchmyer, Erin’s children, Sierra and Kai Lopez, of Franklin, his brother Benjamin Kirchmyer of Franklin, his sister Jessica (Kirchmyer) Draper, her husband Robert Draper, and their four children Anna, Edward, Magdalena and Finnegan Draper of Norfolk.
Joshua was a lifelong resident of Franklin and graduated from Franklin High School in 1988. He attended the Maryland Institute of Art before joining the Army.
Joshua attained the rank of Staff Sergeant and proudly served in Iraq receiving many awards and medals including the Bronze Star Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and the Iraq Campaign Medal. He will be buried privately with military honors.
Joshua loved his job as a manager at U.S. Art in Randolph but unfortunately had to leave due to his illness. He had tremendous passion for life, for nature, and for adventure. He loved to go exploring, and one of his favorite activities was his daily hike in the woods with his son Joshua and dog Jojo.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend his Celebration of Life on Saturday, November 6 at 11 a.m. at the First Universalist Society in Franklin, 262 Chestnut Street. His family requests that you kindly wear your favorite hat in honor of Joshua. Due to covid regulations at the church, the gathering will not include refreshments, and guests are required to be masked while indoors.
In lieu of flowers, a donation for his son may be made to the Kirchmyer Children’s Fund c/o Dean Bank, P.O. Box 307, Franklin, MA 02038.
Arrangements are under the care of the Ginley Funeral Home of Franklin, 131 Main Street in Franklin (www.ginleyfuneralhomes.com).