Obituary of Wayne M. Birch

Wayne M. Birch, a resident of Saugerties, entered into rest Tuesday, January 9, 2018 at Vassar Brothers Medical Center in Poughkeepsie. He was 56. Son of Arlene Edwards Birch of Wappingers Falls and the late Harry L. "Roy" Birch, he was born June 2, 1951 in Beacon. Wayne worked as a Drug and Alcohol Counselor with Daytop Village in Rhinebeck. He also spent a large amount of time working at the Ecclesia Ministries in Newburgh. Wayne enjoyed spending time with friends and family. He loved boating on the Hudson as well as kayaking and camping. Wayne was an avid fossil collector. He had a passion for time spent at the ocean especially in Point Pleasant, New Jersey. Wayne loved his fish. He will be remembered for wearing various hats from his collection. In addition to his mother, he is survived by his brother, Kevin D. Birch and his wife, Donna of Saugerties; his uncle Gary Edwards and his sons, Gary, Jr. and Jason and their families; various cousins; and his longtime friend, Ruth Moysiyonek of Red Hook. A Memorial Service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, January 27, 2018 at the former Hughsonville Presbyterian Church, now Iglesia Cristiana El Sembrador 2368 Route 9D, in Hughsonville. Arrangements are under the direction of Straub, Catalano & Halvey Funeral Home, 55 East Main Street in Wappingers Falls. For directions or to send the family a personal condolence, please visit our website at www.StraubCatalanoHalvey.com.