Thomas R. Kirby was reunited with his heavenly family on March 24, 2017.
Born January 29, 1921, in the family’s home located on Hubbard Street in Lenox, he was the son of the late Joseph and Rose Sires Kirby. The youngest of the couple’s six children, he was predeceased by his four brothers James, Joseph, Henry and William, and his sister, Anna (Kirby) Richards.
Educated in the Lenox Public Schools until the age of 15, his first job was at the former Windover Dairy on East Street. Upon receiving a driver’s license, he then worked as a school bus driver as well as part time at the former Bull’s Garage in Lenox.
In 1941, at the age of 20, he married Anne Manns of Stephentown, New York, and became employed by Highlawn Farm as part of its outside crew, working this job until he was drafted into the service. During World War II, he was a member of the infantry and fought battles in central Europe – specifically Ardennes, in the Battle of the Bulge, Rhineland, as well as in Germany. He served two years in the service, receiving the Combat Infantry Badge; Good Conduct Medal; European African Middle Eastern Theater Campaign Ribbon, three stars; and Victory Medal. After the war ended, he returned home to his wife and daughter, Janet, and resumed his job at Highlawn Farm, completing 17 years of service there. He then went on to work for two years for James Lynch, a local carpenter.
In 1946 he was appointed a Special Police Officer in Lenox and directed traffic for Tanglewood for 25 years at the Patterson Monument. Sixteen years later, he became a full-time police officer, following in the footsteps of his father who served as a police officer for the town for several years.
In 1984 he retired from the Lenox Police Department, worked for a period of time as a janitor/handy man at the former Lenox National Bank, and spent his remaining years of retirement volunteering to help the grounds crew at St. Ann’s Cemetery in Lenox.
As Tom reunites with his wife, Anne, who passed away in 1997, he leaves behind a daughter, Janet Kirby Levesque (Pierre); three grandchildren: Marc Levesque (Tammy), Rob Levesque (Deb), and Gill Levesque Romano (Alan); as well as six great-grandchildren.
Calling hours for Thomas R. Kirby of Lenox will be Thursday evening from 4 to 7 p.m. at the ROCHE FUNERAL HOME. A Liturgy of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, March 31, at 11 a.m., celebrated by the Rev. Monsignor John J. Bonzagni, pastor. Burial will follow in St. Ann’s Cemetery with full military honors. Memorial donations may be made to the Lenox Police Department in care of the Roche Funeral Home, 120 Main St., Lenox, MA 01240.
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