Edward J. Kirby, Jr., 76, of Park Road, North Haven, passed away Monday, October 3, 2011 at his daughter’s home in Wallingford. Born in New Haven on February 3, 1935; son of the late Edward J. Kirby, Sr. and Helen Reilly Kirby. Ed had worked for the State of Connecticut-Department of Transportation for many years until his retirement. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus; a car enthusiast, he owned many classic cars; he enjoyed woodworking and basically was a “Jack of All Tradesâ€. Ed was a Boston Red Sox and NASCAR fan and loved his dogs Beatrice, Sam, Murphy and Rusty. Father of Deborah A. (Jay) Melillo of Portsmouth, R.I. and Kara K. (William) Shields of Wallingford. Grandfather of Ethan Joseph Melillo, Evan James Melillo, Kirby Lynn Shields and William Patrick Shields. Brother of Elizabeth Kirby of Hamden. Also survived by his loving companion of 25 years, June Fleece of New Haven.
Family and friends are invited to go directly to St. Barnabas Church, 44 Washington Ave., North Haven on Saturday morning at 10:00 for a mass of Christian burial. Interment will be private and at the convenience of the family. The visiting hours will be Friday from 6 to 8 pm at the North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Avenue. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Assoc., 2080 Silas Deane Hwy., Rocky Hill, CT 06067 or the American Cancer Society, 825 Brook St., I-91 Tech Ctr.#3, Rocky Hill, CT 06067.
Deb and family, you’ve been in my heart and prayers these last several weeks. I am so sorry for your loss. I hope you will find comfort in the support and love that surrounds and warm memories.
My thoughts are with you and your family Kara…we have lost a great and honest friend.
Your dad sounds like a great guy. I’m sorry to hear of his passing.
Deb, I am so sorry for your loss. I know what it feels like to lose a father and the hole it leaves is large, but take the memories and fill your heart!
Julie
Deb, So sorry to hear about the loss of your dad. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time.
Kara and Bill, I am so sorry for your loss. May God be with you during this difficult time. Kathy Cocchiaro
Ed will always be in our hearts.
Deb,
I’m so sorry to hear about the loss of your Dad…I know what you are going through. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family during this sad time.
Deb, I have been so worried about you. I have asked, but now I know. I am thinking of you and your family, especially your boys. Take care.
Deb and Family
You are in my thoughts and prayers. I am sorry for the loss of your Father, Father -in-law and Grandfather. May you find peace soon. Take care and always remember the times that made you all laugh.
Deb and Kara,
I am so sorry I did not read, hear of your loss. I can’t tell you how often I think of your dad and will still think of him. I remember just what a great guy he was, how kind he was to me and how he opened up his home to me and became a friend. Bowling with him, just talking sports etc. I will always be greatful for his friendship and although I hadn’t talked to him in years, I’d run into him now and then as we passed on our way through town, Stop and Shop or the Flea Market on Hartford tournpike. I try to be as kind to my daughters boy friends as he was to me because I know it means something. My heart is heavy today.. I don’t even know if this will get to anyone because it’s been so long. In any case, I wanted to reach out and let you know how I felt. Warm and Kind Regards, Vic