Obituary of Robert G. Kirby

Obituary Robert G. Kirby was born in Philadelphia, PA on July 6th, 1941. Robert was one of four children born to the late Robert and Ruby Kirby. Robert received his formal education in the Philadelphia Public Schools. At the age of 17 Robert enlisted in the Air Force but found his home in the United States Army where he served his country for almost 20 years. Robert went on to complete two tours in Vietnam where he was awarded the Purple Heart among many other metals. Robert left the Army with an honorable discharge in 1977. He worked and retired from the Philadelphia Airport Mail Facility after 24 years of dedicated service in 1995. Robert made many lasting friendships over those years. Robert met and married Ruth Kirby-Millner in 1960 and from this union was born Robert Jr. He later met and fell in love with Stephanie Stovall of Philadelphia, PA in 1972. They were happily married on August 20th, 1974. They resided in Virginia until 1977 and later settled in Sicklerville, NJ to raise their two daughters, Nicole and Kimberly. Robert was a loving father and husband. He was also a dedicated gardener that loved to spend hours nurturing fruits and vegetables from seedlings every spring for over 35 years. With the help of his children, nephews and nieces, in their youth, and his best friend, the late Eddie Peace, he was blessed with beautiful harvests over the years that he shared with his family and friends. Robert was also an artist whose creativity and passion was to be admired. His talents were passed on to his children and grands. Those that knew him best would be familiar with his “cardboard” art banks and many paintings that grace the walls of the Kirby home today. Robert led by example and loved to share his stories, funny, heartfelt and life changing – most times being exactly what you needed to hear. His passion didn’t end there though, he was an avid boxing enthusiast having hosted many “Pay-per-view fight nights” and an Eagles fan, “Let’s Go Eagles, Let’s Go!”. Robert Gerald Kirby (Rob) was called home on December 25th, 2021 after heart failure while surrounded by family at the age of 80 years old. Robert is lovingly remembered by his devoted wife Stephanie Kirby of 47 years, his son Robert (Annette) Kirby Jr., two daughters, Nicole (Darius) D’Amico and Kimberly (Francisco) Soler, his brother Harry (Patricia) Kirby, five grandchildren, Robert (Elan’) Kirby, Sierra Kirby, Jermaine (Shiane) Kirby, Giovanni D’Amico, Adelina D’Amico, seven great grands and a host of nieces and nephews, and friends.