Bob Kirby, a resident of San Jose, passed away unexpectedly of a heart attack on May 20, 2018. He was born July 3, 1952 in St. Paul, MN, the son of Shirley and William H. Kirby (both deceased). His family moved to Santa Clara, CA when he was 16. He attended St. Francis High School, Mountain View, and graduated with a BA in History from Santa Clara University. Bob was a member of UA Local Union 393, where he served as a plumbing journeyman, general foreman, and project manager for over 40 years in Santa Clara Valley.
Bob met the love of his life, Leanne, in 1987, and they married in 1989. He was an active member of Saint Martin of Tours parish for over 25 years, where his sons attended school. Bob also volunteered for the National Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership (HOBY) program, providing leadership training to local high school students. He was a devoted, loving, and proud father. He served as a coach for youth soccer, baseball, and basketball as well as assisting with Boy Scout activities for his sons.
He retired in 2013 to enjoy family and leisure. He loved traveling with his wife around the world and across the United States. Italy was his favorite destination. An avid music lover, Bob particularly enjoyed listening to jazz and rock, and even worked as a radio DJ for a brief time after college. Bob loved to read, going through multiple newspapers daily and discussing current events with everyone he knew. He experienced great excitement and frustration watching his favorite teams: the San Francisco 49ers, Arsenal, Golden State Warriors, and San Francisco Giants.
Bob was kind-hearted, sincere, reliable, generous and funny, but words cannot adequately describe him. He was loved by every person he met and brought joy to countless lives. Bob is survived by his wife Leanne Patellaro Kirby, his two sons Ben (fiancée, Stephanie) and Will; his mother-in-law Marie Patellaro (Ben, deceased); his three sisters-in-law Linda Furtado (Barry), Janis Patellaro, and Geralynn Patellaro Frugoli (Terry), niece Catherine, and numerous cherished cousins and godchildren. He will be dearly missed all the days of our lives.
Services will be held at Saint Martin of Tours Church, San Jose, Friday June 1st at 12pm. In honor of his caring nature, donations can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or a charity of your choice.
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