Robert Joseph Kirk

Colonel Robert J. Kirk (U.S. Army, Retired), 91, died of heart failure in McLean, Virginia. Born in Pawtucket, RI, COL Kirk was a graduate of the University of Rhode Island. COL Kirk enlisted in the Army in 1942 and served with the 252d Engineer Combat Battalion in Europe during World War II (1944-1945). It was in Berlin in 1944 that he met his future wife, the late Mary Schlenck, to whom he was married for 56 years. He was Commander of the 2nd Battalion, 54th Infantry “Blue Knights” in Bamberg, Germany (1966-1967). COL Kirk was awarded the Bronze Star Medal with Valor and the Purple Heart Medal for his service with the MACV Advisory Team 98, Bien Hoa, Vietnam (1968-1969). Over the course of his illustrious career, COL Kirk also served in Korea (1957-1958) and performed multiple tours of duty in Germany during the “Cold War”. Additional medals included the Legion of Merit and Department of Defense Superior Service Medal. After retiring in 1978, COL Kirk became renowned for his generosity, hospitality, and acts of kindness towards others.

He is survived by his children, Pamela Rappaport, Robert S. Kirk, Susan Abeyta and Ellen Kirk, as well as his grandchildren, Danielle Abeyta and Shanley Kirk. He was the brother of the late Agnes Snow of Pawtucket, RI and the late Sybil Coyle of Lincoln, RI.