SHERBURNE – Bernard J. Kirk, 58, of State Highway 12, passed away Wednesday, April 20, 2016 at Crouse Hospital in Syracuse after suffering with Chron’s and heart disease for years.
He was born March 18, 1958 in North Norwich, a son of the late Daniel J. Sr., and Edna Mae Hicks Kirk. He attended Sherburne-Earlville Schools and earned his GED in the U.S. Army where he served from 1980 to 1983. Bernard had worked in construction, also for Steel Sales, Inc. in Sherburne, Bennett Ireland in Norwich and various other occupations locally. He moved to Fresno, CA to be near an Army friend and his family, where he worked in construction, set up tents for charities, and did other jobs in the area. He moved back East in 2007 due to ill health and to be near his family. Bernard loved animals, especially dogs and cats. He loved sports, was an avid fan of the New York Yankees, especially Derek Jeter, and the Denver Broncos, especially Payton Manning. He enjoyed many hobbies including four-wheeling, woodworking, antiquing and garage sales. He was a history buff and enjoyed watching the History Channel, having a particular interest in old sailing ships.
Bernard met the love of his life, Michelle Wilcox, and they lived together for the last 15 years of her life. He was her caregiver while she dealt with a debilitating illness, until her death in 2007.
Bernard is survived by a daughter, Amanda Kirk of Mesa, AZ; two grandchildren, Michael Bell and Lyric Bell, both of Buffalo; his sister and caregiver, Lillian Hicks of Sherburne; brother and sister-in-law, Daniel, Jr. and LuAnn Kirk of Greene; a special nephew, Keith Kirk and his family of Greene; and his dear close friends Ancion and Karen Gonzales and their family of Fresno, CA. He was predeceased by a brother, Conway Hicks.
Graveside services with military honors will be held at 11:30 am Friday, May 6, 2016 in the North Norwich Cemetery.
Contributions in his memory may be made to the Disabled American Veterans; the S.P.C.A. of Chenango County; or to a charity of one’s choice.
We love and miss you. Your sister Lil, brother, Dan, Luann and family.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Burgess & Tedesco Funeral Home, 10 S. Main St., Sherburne.
To send a condolence and sign the Book of Memories online go to www.burgessandtedescofuneralhomes.com.