Paul D. Kirby

Paul D. Kirby, age 82, passed away on Thursday, November 3, 2022, at the Brigham & Women's Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Boston, Massachusetts on May 4, 1940, he was the son of the late William E. and Annabelle (Monbourquette) Kirby. He was raised in the Forest Hills area of Boston and graduated from Boston Technical High School with the Class of 1959. Following his graduation, Paul enlisted in the United States Army, proudly serving his country, with the National Guard. Upon his return home to Boston, Paul took a position with the United States Postal Service, providing delivery to Dorchester's Columbia Point neighborhood.

Paul married his beloved wife, Kathleen V. McCarthy, on July 27, 1961, at Sacred Heart Church in Roslindale. Together, they made their home first in Jamaica Plain and later in Roslindale and West Roxbury. After testing for a position with the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority in 1968, Paul began his career with the T as a bus driver on the 34E line, running from Forest Hills to Walpole. As a driver, Paul quickly joined the ranks of the International Brotherhood of Carmen, Local 589 in Boston. His position with the T brought him to the Trolley Division before he followed in his father's footsteps, taking the role of Track Walker. After a few close calls between passing trains and some inspections of swaying bridges, Paul decided the best place for him to serve out his career was in the maintenance and repairs division. With his new position, Paul saw an opportunity to move his family out of the city and made his new home in the quiet town of Wrentham, Massachusetts in 1977. Paul continued climbing the ladder at the T, eventually taking over as a foreman, overseeing the installation of the rail for the Green Line on Comm Ave, before his retirement in 1991. While his full-time career came to an end, Paul enjoyed picking up a part-time job, working for the Boston Globe, taking care of missed deliveries in the Wrentham area. In his retirement, Paul and Kathy left the cold and snow of New England to make their home in Naples, Florida to enjoy the sunshine. In 2008, the couple returned to Wrentham before settling in Norfolk two years later.

Over the years, Paul enjoyed a very active social life, making all his friends smile with his witty and often sarcastic humor. As an avid bowler, Paul was the longtime president of the Parkway Men's League in West Roxbury and later enjoyed bowling in a Thursday night league with his wife, Kathy, in Norwood. He spent many Sundays playing softball with the High Park men’s league. In the nicer weather, Paul took to the links, playing a round of golf with his colleagues from the T at the Franklin Park Country Club. Once the crisp air of Autumn set in, Paul knew it was time to head west, celebrating Halloween at Eastover, playing tricks on all his friends that accompanied him.

Most of all, Paul was dedicated to his family. As a devoted husband to Kathy, Paul looked forward to shopping trips with her, picking out new decorations for their home. As a young Dad, Paul regularly involved himself in his children's organizations, including the hockey boosters program for his son, Kevin. The title he was most proud of was Papa, as he was overjoyed at the birth of his grandchildren. Before departing for Naples, Paul spent countless hours helping to care for and raise his grand babies and welcomed them with open arms upon his return home to Massachusetts.

Beloved husband of Kathleen V. "Kathy" Kirby.

Loving father of Karen L. Dalton and her husband, Craig, of South Walpole, Kevin G. Kirby and his wife, Kelly, of Walpole, and Susan M. Amidon and her husband, James, of Cumberland, Rhode Island.

Cherished grandfather of Colleen A. Kirby and her husband, George Youstra, of Saint Petersburg, Florida, Meaghan A. Kirby of Walpole, Cory J. Amidon of Cumberland, Rhode Island, Cameron K. Dalton and his partner, Jacqueline Horner, of Woonsocket, Rhode Island, Amanda T. Amidon of Cumberland, Rhode Island, and Catherine L. Dalton of South Walpole.

Brother of William Kirby Jr. of Hyde Park, Ann Cogavin of Franklin, the late Clare Kominek, and the late Jeremiah F. Kirby.

Brother-in-law of Mary Kirby of Needham, Linda Cleary of Dedham, Joseph McCarthy of Utah, Evelyn McCarthy of South Carolina, and the late Gerald McCarthy.

Also survived by many nieces, nephews, grand nieces, and grand nephews.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend Paul's Life Celebration on Thursday, November 10, 2022, from 4 to 7 PM in the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, 48 Common Street, Walpole.

A Funeral Home Service will be held on Friday, November 11, 2022, at 11:00 AM.

In lieu of flowers, Paul's family requests that a tree be planted in his memory.