Submitted by: Dan Rich

 

John Philip Kirby

Aug. 25, 1943 - July 1, 2007

 

South Bend Tribune 7/4/2007
GRANGER, IN - Mr. John Philip Kirby, 63, of Broken Wood Court, passed away about noon Sunday, July 1, in his residence following an apparent heart attack. Mr. Kirby was born August 25, 1943, in Brockton, Mass., to the late John W. and Margaret A. (Costello) Kirby, who survives of Naples, FL.

 

On July 1, 1967, John married Ann Marie (Moller) Kirby, who survives of Granger. He worked as director of maintenance for many airlines from 1981 to 2005. Other survivors include a son, John P. Kirby; a daughter, Kimberly A. (William) Bobovecz; and a grandson, Matthew Bobovecz, all of Naples, FL. Along with his father, he was also preceded in death by a sister, Janet E. (Rick) Teagarden of Brinson, GA.

 

Mr. Kirby was a 20-year career Navy veteran who received numerous medals of accommodation including the Vietnam Service Medal with star. He was a member of St. Pius X Catholic Church and was an avid Harley Davidson enthusiast, belonging to both the local and national Harley Owners Group for 18 years as well as the American Motor Cycle Association. He was an ABATE of Indiana member, as well as the Fleet Reserve Association, the BPOE Elks and American Airlines Retirees. John was a past Exalted Ruler for the Saab 340 Operators Conference and was a member of the American Legion. Mr. Kirby attended Metropolitan State in Denver, CO. He loved to listen to the "oldies but goodies" music, enjoyed Saturday night stock car racing and to help friends in need with a project or lending tools. He had "the gift of gab" and was mechanically inclined doing lots of auto repair and body work, and he built an arbor in his back yard and the information signs at the entrances of his Bridle Wood neighborhood. After retiring from the airlines, he enjoyed his job as manager of sales and marketing at Baabs Wood Pit Barbeque.

 

A Christian Rite of Burial Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Friday in St. Pius X Catholic Church, with Rev. William Schooler, pastor, officiating. Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. today in the McGann Hay Granger Chapel, 13260 SR 23, enter off Cherry Road, and from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the Mass in church on Friday. Cremation will follow, with burial at a later date. Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association or to the American Diabetes Association.