Obituary of Christopher J. Birch

Birch, Christopher James 31 of Wyckoff who grew up in North Haledon passed away on July 6, 2015 from a tragic accident in Pennsylvania. He is a graduate of Manchester Regional High School, Kean University and the Morris County Police Academy. He is survived by his beloved wife Karen (Cassidy) Birch; his mother Donna (DeRemer) Birch; his father James Birch; his brother Cory Birch; his grandmother Marian DeRemer; his beloved dog Jack Daniels; his Aunt Linda Stoffels and her husband Leo; his Aunt Joanne Randazzo and her husband Nick; his Godson Ethan Johannessen; and several cousins; sister in laws and brother in laws. He is predeceased by his Grandmother Hetty Birch and his Grandfather's Miner DeRemer and James Birch and Karen's father Mark Cassidy. Christopher began his career as a police officer in Midland Park in January 2007. He was a traffic officer and a field training officer and was put in charge of vehicle maintenance and equipment he was also the treasurer for PBA Local 79. He'd previously served as a special police officer in North Haledon. Christopher was a Free Mason and a Member of Genesis Lodge #88 in Pompton Lakes just like his Poppy. Special Olympics held a special place in his heart, he participated yearly in the Torch Run, and participated in the Polar Bear Plunge annually since 2007. Chris enjoyed developing relationships with the residents of Midland Park, especially children. In his free time he loved the outdoors, spending time fishing up the lake, being with family and friends. He will be missed by all. Each day is a gift not a given right. What we have done for ourselves dies with us, what we have done for other remains immortal . Funeral Service will be on Monday July 13, 2015 10 AM at the Christ Espiocipal Church 400 Ramapo Ave Pompton Lakes, NJ followed by a burial at Fair Lawn Memorial Cemetery 22-21 Maple Ave Fair Lawn, NJ. Family and friends may visit the Oakland Memorial Home 330 Ramapo Valley Road Oakland, NJ on Sunday from 1-6 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family request that a donation in Chris's memory be made to: Special Olympics of New Jersey 1 Eunice Kennedy Shriver Way Lawrenceville NJ 08648. Note: Area 12 For Additional information, condolences and directions please visit Oaklandmemorial.com