Robert Joseph Kilroy

Robert Joseph Kilroy, 83 FALMOUTH -- Robert Joseph Kilroy, 83, of Falmouth, died May 25, 2009, at Maine Medical Center in Portland. He was born on April 1, 1926, in Portland, the son of Francis Thomas and Jane Callan Kilroy, and attended Sacred Heart Grammar School and Cheverus High School. Robert served his country during World War II in the U.S. Navy. He served aboard the aircraft carrier the U.S.S. Antietam CV-36 in flight operations in the Pacific Theater. After World War II, Robert served as Captain of the Old Orchard Beach lifeguard patrol along with brothers Richard and William. He later graduated from Bridgton Academy and Boston University, where he played Varsity Baseball. He later earned his master's degree from Michigan State University. In 1952, Robert married the former Constance Ann Greaney, of Portland. She predeceased him in 2007. After a brief teaching career in Maine, Robert taught in the Mt. Pleasant School District in Wilmington, Del., for over 30 years. He was a long-time member of the Delaware State Education Association and National Education Association and developed the first curriculum for driver and safety education for the State of Delaware. In 1988, he and wife Connie retired back to Portland, where he enjoyed deer hunting and recreational flying. He was a licensed pilot for many years and owned his own airplane. Robert was a member of the 4th Degree Knights of Columbus Msgr. Houlihan Council and the Fr. Sebastian Rasle Council Assembly, and a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians of Portland. He also belonged to the V.F.W. Deering Post #6859, the American Legion Harold T. Andrews Post, and the Disabled American Veterans. Robert was Past President of the Brandywine Optimist Club International of Wilmington, Del., a Past President of the Delaware Driver & Safety Association, a Past President of the China--Burma--India (CBI) World War II Veterans' Association of New England, and a member of the Woodfords Club. Besides his wife, Robert was predeceased by two brothers, Richard F. Kilroy and William C. Kilroy. He is survived by his children, daughter Tara A. Kilroy of Wilmington, Del., sons, Kevin J. Kilroy and his wife Ellen of Brookfield, Conn., and Brian J. Kilroy and his wife Barbara of Falmouth; and eight grandchildren, Sara, Sean, Katie, Callan, Cara and Conor Kilroy, and Dominic and Nicholas Schiano. Visiting hours will be 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday, May 27, at the Conroy-Tully Crawford South Portland Chapel, 1024 Broadway, South Portland. Prayers will be recited at 8:15 a.m. on Thursday, May 28, at the chapel, followed by a 9 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial at Holy Martyrs Church, 288 Foreside Rd., Falmouth. Interment with military rites will follow in Calvary Cemetery, South Portland. Online condolences may be expressed at www.ctcrawford.com. Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to 'Safe Passage' at www.safepassage.org. Robert Joseph Kilroy