Robert Kirby, 77

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. —  Robert (Bob) George Kirby, 77 of North Adams, MA. died peacefully on Wednesday, February 8, 2023 at the Vermont Veterans’ Home in Bennington, VT surrounded by his loving children. He was born in Adams, MA on April 18, 1945, son of the late George Edward and Violet (Martischnig) Kirby.

Bob attended school in Adams, and graduated from the former Adams High School with the class of 1963. He enlisted in the United States Army where he was assigned to the 1st Signal Brigade. In December 1968 he began serving in the Vietnam War until he was honorably discharged in 1971.

Bob had a successful career with the General Electric Company in Pittsfield, MA and Schenectady NY, where he worked as a Supervisor in the Aerospace Division. After many loyal years of professional work, Bob chose retirement in 1995 and began volunteering his time at the North Adams Elks Lodge for events and fundraisers.

He was a communicant of St. Elizabeth Church, a Vietnam Veterans Color Guard, as well as a member of the North Adams Elks Lodge and American Legion Post 125. Bob was a familiar face among these places where he was a welcoming presence to all who sat next to him. His friends frequently commented on how much they appreciated his quick wit, kindness, and grace. enjoyed many simple pleasures in life, such as being a regular at Linda’s Cafe each morning for breakfast, gardening, running errands with his wife, Michele and sitting on his front porch ‘watching the world go by’. was an avid fan of all the Boston sports teams, Michigan Football, Fantasy Football and March Madness.

Bob was a true gentleman who was generous with his love and compassion toward all people, especially his family. His two children, Evan and Kate were the brightest stars in his universe. In every aspect of his life, Bob genuinely modeled integrity, resilience, and unconditional love for his children. He was their number one fan in the stands and on the playing fields as he humbly cheered on Evan and Kate throughout their athletic careers. Additionally, he adoringly inherited the role of ‘Dad’ to his nieces Lisa and Kristie who he loved as if they were his own.

Bob’s greatest love was his wife, Michele whom he married September 28, 1974. Of all the many joys and experiences they shared together in their forty-seven years of marriage, sitting on the front porch together while listening to Red Sox games was one of their favorite pastimes. The people who occupied the largest space in Bob’s heart, were those who called him, “Bub”. They were Lennon, Lilly, Jake and Blake as he referred to them as his “Favorite Little People”. This special crew of little people brought so much joy and fulfillment to Bub’s world.

Bob is predeceased by his wife Michele, who passed in January 2022. Survivors include his children Evan and Kate Kirby both of North Adams, his grandchildren Lennon and Blake Kirby, and Lilly and Jake Millard. He also leaves his loving nieces Lisa Rennell (Aaron) and Kristie Henderson and their children Allyson, Molli, Ashleigh, Reighan and Linleigh. A brother-in law Bill Lanski, nieces Melissa and Jennifer Lanski of Adams, MA. He also leaves many loving extended family members and life long friends, including his dear friend Ken Acker of New Cumberland, PA. The family would like to graciously thank Sarah Sigsburgy of the Vermont Veterans’ Home and all of the North Wing nurses and staff who so honorably and compassionately cared for in his final days.

Calling Hours for Robert Kirby will take place at the Flynn & Dagnoli Funeral Home, WEST CHAPELS, 521 West Main St. North Adams, MA. from 4-7 p.m. on Thursday, February 16, 2023. A Liturgy of Christian Burial for Robert will be celebrated at St. Elizabeth Church in North Adams on Saturday, May 13, 2023 at 10:00 AM. Burial will follow in Southview Cemetery, North Adams. Memorial donations are suggested for Berkshire Humane Society or doing a small random act of kindness for someone. To add to the Book of Memories, please visit www.flynndagnolifuneralhomes.com