Patrick Michael Kirby was born October 31, 1953 in Elkhart, Indiana to parents Juanita and Francis Kirby. He passed away on November 3, 2022, 3 days after his 69th birthday, from his battle with Metastatic Melanoma. Pat grew up in Elkhart, Indiana where he graduated in 1971 from Elkhart High School, he went on to attend Elkhart Career Center. He worked at Kroger’s Grocery as a produce manager. In July 1978 he met his wife Kristine Jansen, while she was in Elkhart visiting her family.
He decided to move to Phx, AZ where she was living and soon after they were wed. In Phoenix he worked as a produce manager at Alpha Beta Grocery. He then made the change to work in Route Sales and Delivery Driving in the dry cleaning business, where he worked for 40+ years. He spent the last 20 years of his career working for Arcadia Dry Cleaners. He loved how his job brought him in contact with so many valley residents. He was a real people person and loved to make others smile and laugh. His one true love was everything Notre Dame. He joked that his blood was the Notre Dame colors of blue and gold.
He is survived by his wife Kriss, sister-in-law Greta Pierce, siblings: Sherry Lankford, MaryJo (Don) Locke, Phyllis NewKirk, Debbie Hofflander, Mike (Edna) Kirby, Kristine (Dave) VanZile, and many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be celebrated at St. Theresa Catholic Church, 5045 E. Thomas Rd. Phx, AZ, on Friday, November 18, 2022, with Words of Remembrance at 10:45AM and a Catholic Mass at 11:00AM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Society of St. Vincent de Paul or the Humane Society. Condolences may be expressed at www.whitneymurphyfuneralhome.com.
Rick Kalil
We spent so much time together as kids. Playing neighborhood baseball, football and basketball eventually put us on the grade school teams as well. We rode bikes to regions unknown. We played army, cowboys and Indians, kick the can and so much more. I remember your mom getting home in that Rambler station wagon from the grocery store and helping Pat to carry the groceries into the house eventually getting orange push ups for our deeds. We can never go back to those days be we can sure keep them in our hearts forever. So sorry for your loss of a brother and mine of a friend who helped shape who I am so many years ago.
Michael Lese
Such good times we had growing up. We were in Scouts together and his dad was our scout master. I didnt know he worked in the grocery. business as i did too. I know Jesus was waiting for y ou with open arms.
Chuck Swartzell
So many great memories of my neighborhood buddies and fellow classmates/bandmates at St. Vincent’s School. Pat Kirby, Rick Kalil, Mike Lese, Danny O’Hara, Mike DeBoni, Bill Kuehne, and Rick Mark. Lots of sports, Coca Cola, DeBoni Bakery donuts, Wray’s ice cream, Wilt’s grocery store and the corner dairy store for a quick treat between games. Quite the crew. RIP Pat!
Stanley Edson
Very sorry to hear of Pat’s passing. Used to live across the street from the Kirby family on Morton Avenue in Elkhart Indiana. Pat was always a nice guy. We had some great times.
Our prayers are with his family. GOD Bless you.