John Patrick Kirk, Sr.

John Patrick Kirk, 84, passed away on January 14, 2023 surrounded by his loving family. He was born on June 2, 1938 to Anastasia McBride Kirk and John Joseph Kirk. John was a native of the Bronx and raised his family in West Seneca, New York. Until the last days of his life, his primary concern was caring for his family. He was known for his hard work, generosity, unconditional support of his loved ones, and of course his Grandpa/Dad jokes. He is survived by his wife of 59 years Jeanne Marie Kirk nee Cosgrove; his seven children: John (Janice); Gina (Artie); Peter (Min); David (Tiffani); Ned (Nora); Mark (Gina) and Katie; his 19 grandchildren: Madeline, Jessica, Ryan, Thomas, Grace, Monica, Alexandra, Elisabeth, William, Danny, Brendan, Samantha, Henry, Gabriel, Charlotte, Christopher, Francis, Vesper and Livia; his siblings: Matthew (Carol); Mary (Steve); Annie. He was predeceased by his brothers Joseph and Michael (Elaine), and sister Patricia. He will also be missed by his extended family in Western New York, the greater New York area, and Tyrone, Northern Ireland.

John attended St. Brendan’s Elementary School, Fordham Preparatory School, Maryknoll Seminary (BA Philosophy), Fordham University (Masters of Social Work), and the University of Buffalo (Masters of Business Administration).  John served his country as a member of the New York State Air National Guard attaining the rank of Sergeant. John’s professional life was marked by his compassion, commitment to social justice, and his Catholic faith. He began his career serving children in foster care as a social worker for Catholic Charities. Thereafter he became an administrator for the State of New York and worked tirelessly to deinstitutionalize the developmentally disabled and promoted their integration into local communities. He also worked evenings and weekends in the Buffalo General Hospital emergency room supporting the mental health needs of patients.

While work and family consumed most of John’s life, he managed to make time to routinely give blood and volunteer. After retirement he traveled extensively to visit his grandchildren across the US and The Netherlands. He enjoyed all things Irish and was an avid Buffalo Bills fan. His legacy will live on in the example of service, integrity and compassion passed on to his children and grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Catholic Charities of Western New York. https://ccwny.org/donations/

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