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Specialized Centers
Andrew J. Kirch Developmental Services Center
Who is Andrew J. Kirch?
Andrew J. Kirch was born in Hungary on October 30, 1918. He and
his family emigrated to the New York metropolitan area when he
was a child.
During World War II, Kirch served with a military intelligence battalion and was an adjutant stationed both in the European and African campaigns. He served for three and a half years, and received the American Campaign Medal as well as the European, African, Middle Eastern Campaign Medal. Following his discharge, Kirch worked as a pharmaceutical representative.
In late 1949, early 1950, Kirch and a partner acquired one of the first Volkswagen dealerships in the United States, and settled in Rochester, New York. His dealership, F.A. Motors, Inc., was one of the most successful Volkswagen dealerships in North America.
Andrew J. Kirch maintained a home in Gramercy Park, New York, as well as an apartment in Henrietta, New York. He had an avid interest in sailing and was a member of the Sag Harbor Yacht Club since the early 1950's, even serving as a Commodore for many years.
Although Kirch himself never had any children, in his will he created a Charitable Trust for the benefit of worthwhile causes, particularly those involving pediatrics. Since his death on September 14, 1993, his gift has provided hundreds of thousands of dollars for worthy causes, including the Developmental Services Center that bears his name.