Birth date: Nov 20, 1931 Death date: Jan 27, 2021
Dr. Richard Margoles Hirshberg passed away on Wednesday, January 27, 2021 in Covington, Louisiana. He had lived in Houston, Texas since 1954 having moved to Covington shortly before his passing to be with family. He was born on No Read Obituary
I was truly depressed when I heard of Richard's death this week. I worked with him at St. Joseph Hospital and met with him over lunches at Park Plaza Hospital for thirty-five years. When we moved to Plano, he was one I always called. We trusted each other as colleagues, disagreed on politics, and valued our friendship. What a joy it was to share. I shall miss him.
Ken Toppell
When I came to Richard in 1980, I was 33 years old but hunched over like an old man, in extreme pain, and could barely walk, as a result of my lower back herniated discs. Richard performed the laminectomy, which was hugely successful and literally restored and saved my life, and we became lifelong friends.
When I reiterated his medical recommendation several years ago to a New York doctor - since I always swore by his advice, the doctor in a bit of exasperation asked "who is this guy Hirshberg?" I answered "who is he? he's the absolute best."
My daughter, Amanda Miles was born on March 23, 1973. She had many birth defects. Our pediatrician said she would only live three days. We were introduced to Dr. Hirshberg a few days later.He felt she might die on the operating table. She repaired her cranial bifida condition. He also did five or six more surgeries. She is the joy of our lives. She is 48 years old and serve on community non for profit boards. Several years ago she was awarded the Volunteer of the Year for the City of Alvin....all to Dr.Hirshberg. Judy Zavalla 832-724-4353; [email protected]
What an outstanding person. I knew per the St. Joe association and friends. I just learned today. Well...
Richard was a dear friend and an inspiration. He was caring and always had an encouraging word. I met Richard in 1999 at the IASP in Vienna, Austria. We continued our friendship and he even attended my wedding. Richard was such a brilliant and special person and friend. He is in my prayers and thoughts, also extended to Jackie, Eva and the family. with Love Rhonda and Chris
Mrs. Hirshberg and Eva-
Having worked with you and Dr. Hirshberg for many years, I want to offer my condolences at his passing. He was pleasure to work with and always a kind gentleman to me.
God bless you,
Mary Gillespie CPA
I had the good fortune of meeting Dr. Hirshberg at the Downtown Club at Houston Center, where he took lunch nearly every day, from what I could tell. I offered to help with his plate, as he was using a walker. I don't recall if he accepted (thereafter one of the staff was always helping), but we'd speak when I'd see him on subsequent occasions. He invited my wife and me to join him for lunch, which we did, his treat. He was such a gracious man. He really seemed to appreciate my interrupting his lunch, so I was never afraid to say hi. Lucy and I were saddened to hear of his passing. I treasure the memory of the brief visits we enjoyed from time to time. Thanks, Dr. Hirshberg!
Greg & Lucy Cain
Richard had a way of welcoming you to the table and settling in with an appreciation of your latest project, tour, or discovery. Of course, he liked to tell of his latest ROMEO lunch group (Retired Old Men Eating Out) and sharing their discussions.
We were mesmerized by his stories about Eleanor Roosevelt and other interesting people about whom we've only ever read.
We remember seeing him with his supper group in the 360 Houston City Club restaurant enjoying conversation with old and new friends. He coped with canes and walkers as if they were nothing; simply enjoying the day - every day.
As stated in an old song "we will be seeing you in all the old familiar places"...you will be missed.
Ben and Trish Parrack
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of a great neurosurgeon, Dr Richard Hirshberg.
Dick (as I knew him) and I trained together as residents in neurosurgery at Baylor Houston in the early 1960's. Dick was an intelligent, hard working, inquisitive surgeon that would challenge you to do better. After completion of training I move to Beaumont, but was able to maintain a great relationship with Dick, often seeing each others patients. There are countless numbers of patients that benefited from his talents. My condolences and prayers to his family. Mark Kubala, MD
Our journey with Richard began when Ken, then the father of two young children, had a successful back operation under Richard’s skilled hands. Then Richard encouraged our idea to move to Courtlandt Place, a neighborhood his family and ours loved. What great times we had with neighborhood pumpkin carving events and our children at play on the shared esplanades. Caroline and I reminisced this afternoon about our visit to Louisiana where Jackie and Richard introduced us to the culture of Louisiana. She still cherishes the book he bought her at that time. I will miss our brief chats at the neighborhood Kroger; it was not unusual for us to reconnect in the grocery aisle. He was a man who gave much of his intellect, passion, and skill to others.
