Robert Charles Kirn

Robert Charles Kirn, 82, of Brick, passed away peacefully on December 13th, 2022 at Ocean Medical Center with his devoted wife Ivy by his side. He fought a long, hard battle with COPD, but remained "Kirn Strong" up until the very end when Our Lord called him Home at Christmastime, a time of the highest light and love.
Born in Irvington, Robert was the son of Charles George and Helen Bertha Kirn, and younger brother of Virginia Roberts. Robert ("Bob") grew up in Irvington and Maplewood, where he graduated from Columbia Senior High School. After high school, Bob embarked on a 37-year career at Sea-Land Service, Inc. In 1961, he enlisted in the United States Army and was stationed at the headquarters for the US Army Signal Corps at Fort Monmouth, NJ where he taught computer programming.
After his two-year military term, Bob returned to his career at Sea-Land. In 1973 Bob was relocated to Winston-Salem, NC. In 1978, he moved back to Brielle, NJ, making the Jersey Shore his home. Bob continued his successful career as a Project Development Manager for global systems. When Sea-Land moved its headquarters to Charlotte, NC. in 1995, Bob accepted retirement. He took great pride in his career and the company, being thankful for the many friendships made over the years and maintained throughout his life.
Bob enjoyed the simple things in life: gatherings with friends, fishing off his boat, peaceful moments at the Manasquan inlet. Bob was steadfast in showing support to his children in their life's activities, never missing a sports game or special achievement. Bob remained forever loyal to the New York Giants and the New York Mets.
In retirement, Bob and Ivy, enjoyed traveling, rejoicing with the birth of each of their six grandchildren, enjoying time with family and friends, and doting on their canine companions.
Robert was known to most as "Bob," but other nicknames of endearment were "Skippy" to his sister Ginny, "Ambrose" to his lifelong friend, Eddie Eggert, and "Charlie" to his many friends at Sea-Land. Bob was an easy-going guy with a great sense of humor. He loved to laugh and make others laugh. Above all, he was genuinely a great man - a loving, supportive, loyal, and devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. His kind smile, caring nature, and patience will be deeply missed. He has left a legacy of kindness and virtues in his wake. Bob gave so much love and left this world surrounded by it.
Bob is survived by his cherished wife of 29 years, Iva "Ivy" Kirn (nee Schlesinger); beloved children Keith (Dawn) Kirn, Lori Kirn, Christopher (Anastasia) Lytle, Jason (Lisa) Lytle, Nicholas (Valentina) Lytle; grandchildren Charlie Kirn, Matteo Figueroa Kirn, Milana Lytle, Jake, Luke and Alexis Lytle, Brittany Flach, and Ashley Edolo; and many treasured nieces, nephews, and friends.
Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Helen Kirn; his sister, Virginia Roberts; his parents-in-law, Rev. George and Maxine Schlesinger; and loyal canine companions Bear, Beauregard, Brielle, and Breeze.
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, January 14th, 2023, at 11:00am, at St. Paul's United Methodist Church, 714 Herbertsville Rd, Brick Township, NJ 08724. In lieu of flowers, donations are greatly appreciated to the Pet Ministry of St. Paul's United Methodist Church 714 Herbertsville Road, Brick NJ 08724, Monmouth County SPCA 260 Wall Street Eatontown, NJ, 07724 or Jersey Shore Animal Center 185 Brick Blvd Brick, NJ 08723. Arrangements are under the care of Orender Family Home for Funerals, Manasquan, NJ. To send condolences to the family please visit www.orenderfamilyhome.net.