Suddenly on November 21, 2015, aboard the Atlantic Star, doing what he loved best--fishing. Age 79 years.

Beloved husband of the late Mary Alice and the late Wilma Birchmeier. Dear father of James (Linda), Bonnie (Dave) Ridolfino, Scott (Ruth) and Robert (Lisa). He is also survived by 5 grandchildren: Ryan, Catlin, Bryan, Sarah and Jake; his brother, Theodore (Sandra), sister-in-law, Lois Murray, nieces, nephews and fellow fisherman. Had was predeceased by his parents, Robert and Bertha (nee Dewey) and his brother, William.

Had was a 1954 graduate of Collingswood High School where he captained the varsity football and wrestling teams, was a member of the varsity baseball team and also served as class president. He received the Brooks Irvine Award and was inducted into the Collingswood High School Athletic Hall of Fame in 1992. Had retired as a pipefitter from PhillyShip in 1996. He was a Master Mason and member of Collingswood Cloud Lodge #101. Had also was a member of the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, Iron Ship Builders, Blacksmiths, Forgers & Helpers, AFL-CIO and volunteered for the Mercer County Miracle League.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Had's family on Saturday, December 5th, 11 AM to 12 Noon at the FOSTER-WARNE FUNERAL HOME, 820 Haddon Ave., Collingswood, NJ. Memorial service will follow at 12 Noon. Interment private.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to help in constructing a memorial reef off the Jersey Coast in Had's name. Donations can be made payable to: Had Birchmeier Memorial Reef Fund c/o Rehab Excellence, 1010 Haddonfield-Berlin Rd., Suite 401, Voorhees, NJ 08043.