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Chris Kirby Obituary
At Yankee Stadium last summer, Chris Michael Kirby raced up and down the escalators looking for a young boy who had wandered off. The boy's father had been frantic, and Chris had offered to help. Finally, Chris spotted the boy stepping into the women's bathroom. He ran in after him, calling out, "Coming in, girls!"
The son of a Bronx firefighter, Chris grew up in a family used to helping strangers. "He was a great kid — he would help anybody," said his father, Mickey Kirby.
Chris, 21, was born on New Year's Day and was nicknamed Happy because of his happy-go-lucky nature. He was working as a carpenter while taking classes to become a firefighter like his father. A few days before he disappeared, he called his family, who now live in Middletown, N.Y. His father told him, as he always did: "Be good. I love you." And Chris responded, as he always did, "Dad, I love you, too."
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Aoife Kirby
March 28, 2023
Hi, Chris.
I was very young when 9/11 happened, and I know we probably aren't related, but your name has stayed in my mind all these years.
I'm moved by all of the memories your loved ones have posted here; you left an impact even though you were taken too soon. I can only imagine what you might have accomplished had you been given the chance.
I'm grateful to have learned a bit of your story, you sound like an incredible person.
Rest in peace.
Justin Bell
September 11, 2021
Thinking of you today and often. Even though we were friends for a short time; I've always felt that we would've known each other for years. I reflect on you calling me with excitement that you had joined the Carpenters Union and were ready for a great future. I'm so sorry that you weren't able to be here to experience life. Like many; your smile remains as my image of you Kirby ❤ You are remembered always.
Anonymous
September 11, 2021
20 years later, I am watching the remembrance ceremonies on tv and I find all these emotions welling up inside. It´s impossible to forget. The anger, fear, and hurt are always right there under the surface. I miss you buddy. I know you are up there watching down on all of us. You and your family are always in my prayers.
Danny Dips
September 8, 2021
potato knockin, sling shot from dicks, skyway hill bombs down fortune with no brakes..! Front yard football games, handball courts....!!!!! Miss you everyday dawg..! Lots of love and positive energy to the whole Kirby Family❤❤❤
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Theresa Kirby
September 3, 2021
20 years, will never be forgotten fly high Chris ❤ Love to Micky, Donna and all who love you ☮
September 2, 2021
Always in my heart and prayers. I keep my memories of you in my mind forever. You are truly missed and never forgotten xoxo
J
September 1, 2021
Damn, 20 years.
I cannot count the number of dreams I have had over the DECADES that you are still with us...
Mickey/Donna your son is still loved by many.
Eamonn Kirby
September 11, 2019
We know not the hour nor the day.
Rest in Peace Christopher prayers for your family and friends.
Gone but not forgotten.
September 11, 2019
You are remembered.
Theresa Kirby
September 11, 2019
your beautiful spirit lives on in the hearts of all your loved ones today, and always....
September 10, 2019
With 9/11 approaching I found myself talking about you this morning with friends. Its odd how time has gone on put the feelings never seem to fade, they are always right there. I miss you man, and know you are watching all this f us from heaven.
Eamonn Kirby
August 29, 2019
Rest in Peace Chris prayers for your family and friends Gone but not forgotten.
August 28, 2019
RIP, Chris. You left us way too soon that sad morning in New York...
Danielle
September 12, 2018
You are remembered always not just today .
john reilly
September 11, 2018
Thinking of you today and your family. May you all have peace in your hearts. Sincerely, John
September 11, 2018
You aren't forgotten
September 11, 2018
thinking about you
January 1, 2018
Happy birthday.
Eamonn Kirby
September 12, 2017
We shoundn't have to see our children go before us sad time in life as we say here in Ireland gone but not forgotten always in our thoughts and prayers rest in peace chris is looking down on his loved ones.
Martha Gonzales
September 12, 2017
A couple of years ago I picked your name out of many on the memorial and I promised never to forget. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Danielle B
September 12, 2017
Always remembered never forgotten.
September 11, 2017
You aren't forgotten!
January 29, 2017
Happy. I was thinking of you today and the feeling of loss was still as painful as ever. I hope you hear y prayers in heaven. You are missed...
David Kirby
September 25, 2016
I could not begin to search through all of the names engraved in the stone this morning. It was my first trip to the memorial, but I was drawn right to your name. A stillness settled in as I stood there and read your name.
It is doubtful that we are related, but I have read what could be found online.
God bless you, young man and all of those affected by your passing.
September 12, 2016
remembered
September 12, 2016
15 years and seems like yesterday that I found out you were one of the missing. Those days were hard, and every year at this time it stirs up so many emotions and sadness in me. I miss you. Happy.
September 11, 2016
There are many memorials of 9/11 today, fifteen years after your untimely death. Remembering you (as promised) and thinking of how your family must miss you. RIP
Martha Gonzales
July 22, 2016
I recently visited Ground Zero and picked your name out of the many victims and whispered to you that I would never allow myself to forget you. I have sine then researched and learned what I can about you. You made your family proud and can't imagine how they must continue te deal with your loss. RIP Chris.
January 27, 2016
Chris I need your help. I hope you hear me and can answer my prayers.
December 31, 2015
Happy birthday Chris. I know you're in heaven. I hope you hear my prayers.
Kathy C
September 4, 2015
God bless you & your family
Theresa
September 12, 2014
Will "NEVER" forget...love to Mick, Donna, family, friends and loved one's here on earth and with you!
Christi Mileto
September 12, 2014
Yesterday was marked 13 years ago. We will always miss you and never forget you. We all love you. Will never stop thinking of you. |m|/
benjamin dean kirby
September 11, 2014
Today is 09/11/2014. I am listening to the victims' names being read by brave strong friends and family. My name is Benjamin Dean Kirby, wondering if Chris and maybe related. Wheather we are or not i am proud of him and feel a deep lose . May his family find peace as the rest of us remember their lose. Respectfully Ben Kirby
S J. Friscia III
April 16, 2014
In Memory
With Honor & Respect.
J Chalkley
November 10, 2013
I'm standing in front of your name at the Memorial Pools. I never met you but am comforted to see these wonderful stories about you from your loved ones. May your memory live on.
September 13, 2013
You are remembered.
Joe Connaire
September 11, 2013
Chris thanks for watching over me and helping me get into the Carpenters, I see your picture anytime I go to the school. I'll never forget the last day I spent with you going to the Columbia football game in Inwood with with Grandpa Barney. I love and miss you
Christi Mileto
September 10, 2013
Tomorrow is marked 12 years ago that you had been gone. I couldn't believe that. We missed you and always will do. We love you in our heart. I love you!
Carla Novak
July 27, 2013
Carla Novak
July 27, 2013
Carla Novak
July 27, 2013
Carla Novak
July 27, 2013
Carla Novak
July 27, 2013
Carla Novak
July 27, 2013
Danielle Bellon
April 18, 2013
I often think about your smile , freckles and the first day I met you in ST Francis
You are forever remembered and missed 0:)
April 16, 2013
I guess everyday is a chance to do something spectacular. Everyday we get to be here and you aren't. It's so hard to put the anger away and be better because thats what you would want from us. I miss you. I miss your advice and street smarts. We all do. I know you know all the great things we are doing to not waste this precious life and the things we aren't. But sometimes I just want a hug and a heineken with you so bad it hurts and nothing can make it better. I'll always be a little sad for your nieces and nephews because they will only ever get to hear the great tales of what a fun life great person you were!!
your light shines in so many. xoxox
January 6, 2013
To your friends and family I give my sincerest condolences and a little bear hug.
Tom Degan
January 6, 2013
I never met Chris. About a week after September 11, I was in church attending a rosary in his memory. In front of me was a young woman who seemed quite grief stricken. I felt sympathy for her and when I saw that she did not have a set of rosaries I gave her mine. When the services were over and she attempted to return the rosaries, I told her to keep them. A little later on, someone told me that the woman was Chris' sister. I hope that she's happy now.
Eamonn Kirby
August 30, 2012
May the light alway.s shine on Chris Michael Kirby and his loved one's.
Stefanie Merrell
September 13, 2011
My name is Stefanie Merrell and I go to Klein High School in Houston, Texas. I'm doing an english project over 9/11 and I'm honored with doing it over Chris. I would love to hear fun stories of him to add to my tribute. If you would like to share, could you please e-mail me at [email protected] thank you so much. I am very privileged to learn about Chris!
September 11, 2011
Thinking Of You.
September 11, 2011
You are remembered.
Kathy Mulqueen
September 11, 2011
Chris went to school with my daughter, Jeanine. He was a nice and polite young man. May he rest in peace with my nephew, FF Thomas Foley.
Theresa Kirby
September 10, 2011
Angel Kirby...those on this earth will never forget you and your family!
Jean Hopkins
September 10, 2011
I went to St. Jude's with Mickey Kirby. Mickey always had an amazing smile. In fact, he even was a set up date for another friend of ours at Spellman's prom. Just a nice guy! Many years later, I remember being at a Lamaze class with Mickey and his wife when we were both expecting our sons in late 1979. Strange how paths cross. When I realized Christopher was Mickey's son, the baby that was born. I knew he was the same age as my son. So young. I am so sorry for your loss. It is so unimaginable. I came across this page on the ten year anniversary and just wanted to know he will NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. My husband was there on that day and I remember the absolute terror until he walked in the door later that day covered in ash and dust. My thoughts are with you. Jean Cooney Hopkins
frank leto
September 27, 2010
We too remember Chris - We used to take him to the basketball games. All our prayers are with your family. The Leto's
DANIELLE BELLON
September 12, 2010
MY NAME IS DANIELLE BELLON ,I WAS AN OLD SCHOOL MATE FROM ST FRANCIS XAVIER .I REMEBER THE FIRST DAY CHRIS ENTERED AND ARRIVED HE WAS QUITE AND SHY ,BUT EVENTUALLY HE CAME OUT OF HIS SHELL. I HAVE FOND MEMORIES ESPECIALLY MY FIRST DATE WITH HIM . HE ASKED ME TO A BASEBALL GAME , THE KIRBY CLAN PICKED ME UP IN THE STATION WAGON AND WE HAD A GREAT DAY AT THE BALLPARK! HE YELLED OUT DARRRRRRYYYYYYLLL WHEN STRAWBERRY WAS @ BAT .HE ALWAYS MADE ME SMILE,HE WAS A GREAT GUY ,THOSE EYES AND FRECKILES!MY HEART THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY ALWAYS AND FOREVER...ITS TRUE WHEN THEY SAY ONLY THE GOOD ONES DIE YOUNG ..MY FAMILY WILL ALWAYS CHERISH HIS MEMORY!!!!
IN THE SCHOOL PIC I AM THE GIRL BEHIND THE BOY TO THE LEFT OF CHRIS.
PLEASE TAKE CARE AND GOD BLESS YOU ALL AND LET CHRIS WATCH OVER YOU !
DANIELLE BELLON
September 12, 2010
I WOULD LIKE TO SEND MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS TO THE ENTIRE KIRBY FAMILY.EVERY MEMORIAL ,I LISTEN AND WAIT FOR CHRIS"S PHOTO TO APPEAR .YOU MAY NOT REMEMBER ME MY NAME IS DANIELLE BELLON .I WAS A CLASSMATE IN ST .FRANCIS XAVIER. I HAVE ALOT OF FOND MEMORIES OF HIM BOTH IN SCHOOL AND OUT . I REMEBER CLEARLY THE DAY THAT HE ASKED ME TO A METS GAME AND THE WHOLE KIRBY CLAN PICKED ME UP IN THE STATION WAGON ,IT WAS MY FIRST DATE ,I WILL NEVER FORGET IT ,AND HIS FAV MET (DARYL STRAWBERRY ) HE SCREAMED OUT LOUD DDDDDARRRRRYYYLL> HE ALWAYS MADE ME LAUGH . HE WAS QUITE AND SHY BUT HE STARTED TO COME OUT OF HIS SHELL . IAM SORRY WE LOST CONTACT ONCE WE ENTERED HIGH SCHOOL. MY MEMORY OF HIM WILL ALWAYS REMAIN SPECIAL AN IN MY HEART FOREVER , THE QUOTE ONLY THE GOOD DIE YOUNG IS TRUE!!!!! HE WILL BE REMEBERED AND MISSED FROM MYSELF AN MY MOM AND BROTHER .
P.S IN THE SCHOOL PIC I WAS THE ONE BEHIND HIM TO THE LEFT . MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY
LOVE DANIELLE BELLON
Chris is in the front row, third from left. Notice that great smile. It was one of his trademarks along with his great good-nature. He is missed.
Ms Quinn teacher
May 8, 2010
September 12, 2009
Donna, Micky, and the rest of the Kirby Family,
You are always in my thoughts and prayers...
September 11, 2009
Miss you buddy
September 11, 2009
I still miss you. I can't believe it has been 8 years since it all happened. I find my self thinking about your nieces and nephews. And the fact that they were robbed of all the laughs you would of had with them. You were really a special person and everyone who meet you is better off for having you in their lives. You are missed, and will all ways be missed.
Kathy Chiaravalle
September 11, 2009
Can't believe it's been 8 years...prayers for you...love to your family
Josie Bellon Andaloro
September 11, 2009
I always think about Chris ,Daniell Robbie and I think about when you took Danielle took her to the Yankee Game Chris was her first date Our hearts pour out to Chris family. Your family put so much time in the kids from Morris Park and I thank you and will always feel your pain Josie Bellon
Ed Rezac
September 11, 2009
Remembering you and your family today, cousin.
September 9, 2009
Thinking of you again as Sept 11 comes around. You are truly missed.
Doug Abraham
January 1, 2009
Happy Birthday & Happy New Year!!!
Sgt. Mike Kirby
September 28, 2008
Hey Kirbs,
I didnt know you but I feel I can call you Kirbs....for the plain fact your name is Christopher Michael Kirby....my name is Michael Kirby my older brothers name is Christopher Kirby. We kinda got a Kirby bond and you are remembered forever. Hopefully when I get to the other side, I can meet you and maybe we can swap some jokes. (I hear you were a funny guy) until we meet....
September 12, 2008
I found myself talking about you again yesterday to a couple of friends. I keep thinking it will get easier, I won’t get upset, but every year on 9/11 and your birthday I find myself thinking about you and the pain and heartache are right there. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.
WenDy MaRtiNez
September 11, 2008
Chris you are in my thoughts and prayers. I remember the times of us hanging out and I am truly saddened your no longer here on earth with us.. you will forever remain in our hearts.. memories of you are all happy times ; ) I will continue to cherish them; especially hanging out near the bar on 242nd street.. boy did we have fun that night.. lol gOD Bless you your family Chris.. forever in our hearts.. God bless xoxo -Wendy
Matt M.
September 11, 2008
Hi Kirby,
once again, you and your family are in my thoughts today.
STEVE KIRBY
September 11, 2008
Another year, although i didnt know you i seem to be drawn to this brilliant website each year. I suspect initially because we share the same surname and i have a son. Love and peace to your family and friends
Beautiful Smile
Katie
September 11, 2008
Hey Kirb-
I miss you more than words can ever express! Not a day goes by where I don't think about you and wish you were here. It's been 7 years and it hasn't gotten any easier. It gets harder every day...there was so much you didnt get a chance to do. But I am comforted knowing that you are my guardian angel. I cherish your picture and wait for the day that I can see that smile again.
Stephanie Mileto
September 11, 2008
It's been 7 long years since we lost Chris and it doesn't get any easier. I miss you terribly! You will never be forgotten. Love you always!
Paul
May 18, 2008
A childhood friend I will never forget.
Doug Abraham
January 2, 2008
Happy Birthday!!!
Jason P
December 27, 2007
I was just thinking about another New Years coming up and another birthday we will miss out on. New Years Eve is the only time I drink Heineken, don't know why Chris liked that stuff so much?!
I am not by any means a remotely religious or superstitious person, but I can not help but think that my son Chase, born on 9-11-07, has the best guardian angel ever.
I know he will stay safe and hopefully be half as happy as Chris (really was he ever not smiling or laughing at something or someone). Now Chris keeping him out of mischief is a different story...
Just wanted to let everyone know that Chris is on people's minds everyday of the year.
Mickey Kirby
September 12, 2007
To Everyone who has kept Chris in their hearts and minds, on behalf of the Kirby Family, I would like to thank everyone who has NEVER FORGOTTEN. It is still good to know what a profound part Chris has in so many peoples lives today. Thank-you for all your thoughts and prays my family appreciates it and remember we all have a guardian angel looking over us.
Matt Morello
September 11, 2007
Kirby,
You are in my thoughts today...I still haven't made it through a 9/11 without shedding tears for you and your family.
His one time teacher at PB
September 11, 2007
Just thinking about what a great kid he was and what a great man he would have been.
Justin L.
September 11, 2007
I can't believe that it's been 6 years now. I hope that you're still looking down on us smiling as usual. Always in my thoughts bro...
September 11, 2007
just thinkin of you and the whole kirby clan. always in my thoughts and prayers...
Suzanne O'Shea
September 11, 2007
We miss you Chris. There are many people thinking of you today.
Suzanne, Brian, & Colin O'Shea
Steve Kirby
September 11, 2007
just needed to say im so sorry for what happened. I hope your family are coping if thats possible. You are in our thoughts Chris.
September 10, 2007
Just thinking of you buddy.
meghan t
February 17, 2007
I still think of you and your family often Kirby. You were a special gift given to us for a very short time, but I know you are always watching over us and keeping us safe.
Doug Abraham
January 29, 2007
Happy Belated Birthday!!!
jimmy smith
December 28, 2006
my prayers are with chris for the new year.
P Tabbernor
November 25, 2006
In memory....
Nancy Sahlberg
November 11, 2006
In My Pocket
I have memories in my pocket.
They rattle among the change.
My memories of you are treasures I carry wherever I go.
They are stored in bits and pieces, parts of a beautiful whole
They give me comfort when I think I am alone.
Yes, I have memories in my pocket, like so much other stuff I keep there.
But of all the treasures I have, it’s the memories of you that are the most precious.
Kristine
November 7, 2006
As I cross-stitched your name on the memorial that I am doing for all of the victims, I prayed for you and your family. Please know that your death was not in vain. We will always remember. God Bless.
Christina
September 16, 2006
I know you are an Angel. Thank you Chris for being a part of my life. God Bless you in heaven. I miss you and wish you were here. May God give you family strength to go on with you in their hearts.
Ed Rezac
September 11, 2006
Chris,
You, your Mom & Dad, and your entire family remain in our hearts and prayers on this anniversary and every day. God Bless you all, Cousin Eddie
Rita Quinn
September 11, 2006
It was a wonderful school year when the darling Kirby children arrived at St. Francis Xavier School in the Morris Park section of the Bronx,and a sad day when they left. I, Ms Quinn and Miss McCarthy were blessed to teach Chris.He was always happy, smiling,bright and respectful.We always asked about him,but no one knew where he went.When I saw his picture in the Daily News after 9-11-2001 I was heartbroken and I showed the article to Miss McCarthy and Sr. Justin.We join our hearts and prayers to yours today and everyday,dear Kirby family. Lovingly, Ms Quinn,5th grade teacher,and Miss McCarthy,Social Studies teacher,SFX
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