Robert G. Kirke

Robert Kirke Obituary

WHITINSVILLE Robert G. Kirke, 67, of Whitinsville, died Monday, Aug. 18, 2008, at the Marlborough Hills Healthcare Center. He was the former husband of the late Pauline (LeBlanc) Kirke, who died in 1996. Born in Montreal, Canada, Aug. 9, 1941, a son of the late George and Marguerite (Heindel) Kirke, he lived in Whitinsville since February 2007, and formerly lived in Waltham, and in Marlborough, before moving to Pennsylvania. Mr. Kirke was a retired field manager for the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA.) He served in the U.S. Army and attained the rank of SP/4 and was awarded the Good Conduct Medal. He was honorably discharged in March 1963. He also served in the U.S. Air Force Reserve for many years. He was a member of the Masons and the American Legion, both in Pennsylvania. He is survived by two daughters, Tracy M. Cummings of Whitinsville, with whom he lived, and Tina Roy of Hudson; three grandchildren, and his longtime companion, Frances Alfonsi, in Pennsylvania. His funeral services and burial with military honors will take place Saturday, Aug. 23, in Springfield, Penn. Local funeral arrangements are under the care and direction of the Charles F. Oteri & Son Franklin Funeral Home, 33 Cottage St., Franklin (www.franklinfuneral.com).

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Published by MetroWest Daily News on Aug. 20, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Kirke

13 Entries

Allen Graybill

October 2, 2008

Bob was very real and he shared that. I loved working with him for his team player attitude, his infectious fun and selflessness. He introduced me to FEMA staff on a Virginia disaster as his actual brother one Halloween when he had me put in fake look alike teeth and pose for a photo he showed everyone. He was a pure joy to be around.

Steve Hensley

August 28, 2008

Well Bucky, you finally made it home. I will sincerely miss you. You always had that smile on your face. I don't know who we will rely on to make sure our department had everything we needed. I'm sure the "Big Guy" will keep you busy.

David Ray

August 22, 2008

Bob was a dear friend that had a wonderful sense of humor.He was a pleasure to work with and will sadly be missed. My prayers go out to his family.

Laurence Jaffe

August 21, 2008

I was sorry to learn about Bob, we served many years together in the 212th EIS radio section under Chief O'Dell, and I personally sponsored him into United Brethren Masonic Lodge in Marlboro MA way back when. I bumped into him at an Air Force retirees meeting about a year ago, and he told me about his work with FEMA and how much he enjoyed working for them. He will be missed by his military family as well as his FEMA family.

Jack Barton

August 21, 2008

I served at a number of JFO's with Bob. I remember most, his sense of humor and commitment. Bob's smile was always a welcome sight. I'll miss him.

Carolyn Benish

August 21, 2008

I am very sorry to hear about my good friend Bob. We worked together in many disasters with FEMA. I was there when he first joined us in 2001. Bob was invaluable, he could find you anything you needed and worked very hard, he played hard too. He played many practical jokes and made us all laugh. He was always the first to plan a group bar-be-que or get together. His FEMA family will miss him and his humor.

Marty Frengs, FEMA Branch Chief

August 21, 2008

As many of you already know, Bob loved working for FEMA and with the Hazard Mitigation staff in the many disaster field offices where Bob was deployed. We often asked Bob to be the first “mitigator” to hit the road before the field office was even open so that he could solve any logistics problems and ensure that we all got the space and equipment and supplies that we needed. He willingly and successfully accomplished this task time and again on short notice when disasters struck the Philadelphia Region and other regions of the country as well. Bob's cooperation and ability to perform the many different assignments we gave him along with his dedication and sense of humor will be missed by all of us at FEMA.

Dug Salley

August 21, 2008

Great Guy! Bob was always willing to lend a hand. He will be missed by FEMA.

Christy Heinbach

August 21, 2008

I worked with Bob when I very first started working with FEMA as for a few times after that. He was a ton of fun to work with and always made me laugh. He was a wonderful person and will be forever missed.

Stephanie Nixon

August 21, 2008

Bob,
I remember your gentleness and the warmth of your smile
Visits to my office only lasted a short while.
Our talks on the phone sometimes brief but pure
You always knew a good heart and laughter were any problems cure.
You’re a dedicated worker and more than a friend
As time goes on I’m sure our paths will cross once again.
A great dancer you were and will always be
You’re now dancing with angels, to beats one, two and three!
Go now my friend, go away proud
You’ll see us all again by moon, star or cloud.
In the arms of your savior, rest comfortably secure
The skies and the heavens have opened their door.

Peacefully,
Your friend Stephanie Nixon
(DHS/FEMA)

Elizabeth Ranson

August 21, 2008

For my FEMA DAE Pal, Bob Kirke:

Bob, you should be on the lookout for Miss Judy C. She and Ed B. will probably needing some heavenly logistical assistance by now. Judy will be in charge, of course, and no doubt she will have specific orders for you and Ed as well. Thanks always, for your sense of humor so essential in difficult times - Sending FEMA Family love to you and your loved ones.
Betsy R. FEMA R3 DAE

Robert Muth

August 20, 2008

Sorry to here about your Dad. We had called Bob Capt SIPTO. We've been on good jobs together in the 270th EIS for many of years. Bob was a full of laughs. He made the team. He was a very smart man. Sorry to here he's gone.

Ed & Sue Martin

August 20, 2008

So very sorry to hear of your loss. You are in our prayers and thoughts.

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