Obituary of William Schirk

Schirk, William Webster: November 5, 2008. Age 101. He was predeceased by his loving wife, Rose. William is survived by his long time friends, John (Theresa) Polchowski and family, Mary Grieger, Norm and Linda Pike and their families. He is also survived by brother-in-law, Erwin Pfau of Arizona. William was born August 25, 1907 in Stappenberg, Germany. William received his graduate degree in Mechanical Engineering from Mittweiga University which is located in Mittweiga in the Saxon area of Germany. Williams' wife Rose, was from Vienna, Austria, but they met each other in Rochester. William immigrated to the United States when he was in his 20's. It was a difficult life in Germany, and it was hard to make a living in the early twentieth century. He started in the auto industry in Detroit, but lost his job during the Depression. William returned to Germany for a year, but found that things were just as hard there. He returned to Rochester where he worked as a porter for Sibleys. He worked the noon hours, and worked on keeping floors and the inside in order. In 1947, William and eight other gentlemen founded Alliance Tool and Die Company in Rochester. The company grew to have 10 divisions and was one of the best tool and die company in both the US and internationally. William held several management positions, and retired before the merger of Alliance Tool and Die with Gleason Works. After the merger Alliance Tool and Die was liquidated by the company. William lived a quite and moderate life, and he was very generous to others in the Rochester community. William was a dedicated philanthropist, and donated to many charitable organizations, created scholarships for individuals and finally donated to the Town of Webster, that he loved and called his own. No prior calling. Friends are invited to attend Williams' Memorial Mass and Service, Saturday, November 22, 11 AM at St. Ann's Home Chapel, 1500 Portland Ave., Rochester. Private Interment, Riverside Cemetery.