In Loving Memory of Tom Kirchhoff

We are all deeply saddened by the recent news regarding the passing of Tom Kirchhoff on March 10^th, 2015, after a long battle with ALS. This loss certainly strikes close to home to the Gettysburg College Baseball community, as well as Project A.L.S. Tom’s courage and devotion to his family is what originally prompted Gettysburg College Baseball to team up with Project A.L.S. and start the “Take ALS Yard” initiative. The Kirchhoff family have been generous supporters of Gettysburg College, as well as the Gettysburg College Baseball program, and are recognized by the naming of the baseball field. (Kirchhoff Field) We reiterate our appreciation to the Kirchhoff family and our divine commitment to raising money for research on this deadly disease.

For those who knew Tom, or had the chance to meet Tom, we all know how truly amazing of a person he was. Tom was an exceptional athlete, both at Cedar Cliff High School, where he led his team to a State Championship while becoming an all-state Quarterback and then at Lafayette University, where he led his team to a Patriot League Championship while serving as the team captain and earning the Patriot League MVP award. Before being signed as a free agent with the Philadelphia Eagles, Tom was inducted in the Lafayette College Hall of Fame, the Wall of Fame at Cedar Cliff High School and the West Shore Chapter of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame.

While sports were a large part of Tom’s life, nothing meant more to Tom than his family and friends. His most cherished memories were coaching his children’s teams including football, soccer, and baseball. He loved spending time skiing in Deer Valley, Utah and surfing in Ocean City, New Jersey with family and friends. Survived by his wife of 16 years, Staci, his four children, Tommy (15), Sam (13), Brynley (11), Ty (8), and his parents, Jean Cleveland Kirchhoff ’64 and William Thomas Kirchhoff ’63, Tom was a devoted husband, father and son.

Although Tom left us too soon, his influence, wit, and fierce quest to live under adversity are just a few of the gifts he leaves us. The things that mattered most to Tom were his family, friends, and work. He will be dearly missed by all who love him. Gettysburg College Baseball will never forget the lessons learned from Tom Kirchhoff and will continue to “Take ALS Yard” in loving memory of Tom and his family.

Rest in Peace Tom Kirchhoff (1970-2015).

Note: If you would like to make a donation to Project A.L.S., in loving memory of Tom, see the information below.

You may make a check payable to Project A.L.S. and send it to:
John Campo
Head Baseball Coach
Athletic Department
Gettysburg College
Gettysburg, PA 17325

You may also make an online donation thru the Gettysburg College Baseball Project A.L.S Fundraising page at the following link: http://fundraise.projectals.org/TakeALSyard