John D. Kirby, age 67, of Whitney Point, NY, and a graduate of Norwich High School class of 1976, passed away peacefully at his son, Matthew’s, residence in Zebulon, NC, on Sunday, September 28, 2025.
He was born on October 29, 1957, in Norwich, NY, to the late John L. Kirby and Rosalie M. (Esgro) Kirby.
John entered the U.S Marine Corp in 1978 and served his country faithfully until his honorable discharge in 1982. Besides the opportunity to travel he was fortunate to make many lifelong friendships during his duties as a former Air Crew Egres Systems VMFA-251 Seat Shop Technician. After his discharge from the Marines, John returned home to Norwich and began a career in construction.
John was a former Journeyman Carpenter of United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America and worked for numerous union contractors before his retirement. While John was experienced in all facets of commercial work, his main expertise was in doors, hardware and sheetrock. Just a few of the places he worked were Cornell University, Ithaca College, Cortland State, SUNY Binghamton and Owego Lockheed Aircraft Plant.
John’s love of everything in nature was evident by his gardens, enjoying the many species of birds that flocked to his backyard for a hearty meal. Squirrels, chipmunks, deer and occasional mommy fox and her brood would often pay a visit. He especially loved growing Halloween pumpkins for his grandson, Lorenzo. Walking with his late fur babies, DJ and Layla at Dorchester Park whenever the weather allowed always brought him great pleasure. John had a long time “love” of restoring his prized Alis Chalmers antique tractors. But, John’s greatest passion was fishing wherever and when he had a chance.
John leaves behind his son, Matthew Kirby and wife Yanery; his beloved grandson, Lorenzo, of Zebulon, NC; his sister, Carol Franklin, of Plymouth, NY; his three nieces and their husbands, Karen and Dave Markham, of Foley, AL, Kathleen and Jay Brown, of Norwich, NY, and Kimberly and Ruben Sitts, Preston, NY; and his cousin JoAnn Trinkle, of Argylie, NY, along with his great- and great-great nieces and nephews, good friends, classmates and neighbors. Besides his parents John was also predeceased by his brother-in-law Donald Franklin.
A private family internment, with full military honors, will be held at St. Paul’s Cemetery, Norwich, NY, at a later date. There will be no calling hours per John’s request.
Local arrangements have been entrusted to R.J. Fahy Funeral Home.