John Lawrence Kirk

John was the most caring and kind husband to his devoted wife, Karen (nee Winkler) and was the best-dad ever to daughters, Kelly Kirk and husband Darin, Kerry Reekie and husband Michael, and Tracey Widowski and husband Steve, and the adored PopPop of Olivia, John, James, Ryan, Elizabeth, Nathanael, Kaitlyn and Sean. He is also survived by his beloved mother, Eleanor; brothers Thomas Kirk and wife Brenda and Patrick Kirk and wife Rita, sisters Colleen Kirk-Hehir and husband Cyril and Peggy McNamara and husband Neil; sisters-in-law Katie Kirk and Pat Graham and husband Doug, and brother-in-law Rick Winkler and wife Denise; and his cherished nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his father Thomas Kirk, brother Kevin Kirk, and sister-in-law Doreen Thompson, his in-laws Fred and Erika winkler and nephew Jonathan Graham.

Born in the Bronx the second oldest of six, his family later moved to Hillsdale, where much of his youth was spent as the Commissioner of Hillsdale Park – where it was “all fun and games until the cops show up.” An expert trout-fisherman and fishing buddy to all, he spent his weekend mornings in “God’s church”- fishing from one of his many rowboats on Sterling Lake or the Rondout Reservoir. He’d have four lines out of the second his boat hit the water, and could catch two fish (“doubles!!”) while rowing all the time. Ever the outdoorsman, if the sun became scorching or wind forced him off the water, he would spend the rest of the day shooting, riding ATVs and lighting fireworks with the family and friends he loved so much.

Also an animal-lover, he could train any animal, even wild animals- like the fox outside the upstate house who would come out of the woods when he whistled and the turtles in his pond that would surface when he clapped. He could spot a mouse crossing the road a mile away and could move fast as lightning to catch an unsuspecting snake, deer, duck or turkey (even bringing one home in his truck) with his bare hands. He even had a pet mallard duck and raccoon.

John had such deep love for his family and friends and would always look to protect the underdog. He had great compassion and a calming presence to anyone who maybe in despair. John was always the life of the party, creator of fun times and passionate about his country and the freedoms it offered. He was always grateful for those who sacrificed to keep those freedoms alive.

The family will receive relatives and friends at St. John the Baptist R.C. Church, 69 Valley Street, Hillsdale, NJ on Wednesday, August 16 from 9AM to 9:45AM followed by the Funeral Mass beginning at 10AM. Interment will follow at Westwood Cemetery, Westwood, NJ

He will be missed forever by all those lucky enough to have known him.

Godspeed and “FISH ON”.