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Rev. Richard Hire

Rev. Richard Hire, 72, of Syracuse, IN, and a former resident of Huntington, IN, died Thursday, May 4, 2017, at 1:05 p.m. at his home.

Rev. Hire retired in 2016 as pastor of St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church, in Syracuse.

He was ordained May 30, 1970, by Bishop Leo Pursley at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, in Fort Wayne. His first assignment was as assistant pastor at St. Charles Catholic Church, in Fort Wayne, which was followed by his appointment as principal of Huntington Catholic High School, in Huntington. He had also served as a diocesan director of religious education and as religious education director at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Fort Wayne. He served as pastor of St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Fort Wayne, St. Thomas Catholic Church in Elkhart, St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in New Haven and Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Mishawaka.

He was born July 1, 1944, in Fort Wayne to Richard and Lucille A. Ueber Hire.

Survivors include three sisters, Pamela (Skip) Sandels, of Fort Wayne; Dr. Cheryl (Gary) Putnam, of Tucson, AZ; and Dr. Mary Lou Hire, of New York NY; three brothers, James (Maricela) Hire, of Herford, AZ; Thomas (Tamara) Hire, of Fort Wayne; and Charles (Melissa) Hire, of Ligonier.

Calling is Monday, May 8, 2017, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., with recitation of the rosary at 4:30 p.m., at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, 518 E. DeWald St., Fort Wayne. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at the church on Tuesday, May 9, 2017, at 11:30 a.m., with calling one hour prior to Mass. Bishop Kevin Rhoades will preside. Burial will be at Catholic Cemetery.

Memorial gifts may be made to Catholic Charities or for Masses.

Klaehn, Fahl, Melton Funeral Home, Fort Wayne, is in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences may be made at www.klaehnfahlmeltonfunerals.com.