Frederick T. Kirby

Frederick Thomson Kirby, 97, of 305 Turner Road, Middletown, R.I., passed peacefully on Friday, Oct. 28, 2011 at Forest Farm Health Care Center in Middletown.
Born in County Kildare, Ireland on Aug. 17, 1914, he was the son of the late Thomas E. and Willamena (Thomson) Kirby.
Growing up in Westchester County, New York, he moved to Newport in 1934 and started what would eventually become Fred T. Kirby and Sons Landscaping. He joined the U.S. Naval Reserve in 1939 and was a veteran of World War II, serving in the South Pacific as a Chief Gunner's Mate aboard the USS Eichenburger DE 202. He was involved in the following campaigns: The Leyte Gulf, Liberation of the Philippines, Bora Bora, New Guinea, Truck Island, and Bougainville. He also served on the USS Octans, and for his service he earned the American Defense Medal, American Area; the Asiatic Pacific medal with four stars; the Philippine Liberation medal with two stars; the Good Conduct Medal; and the World War II Victory Medal for his military service.
Upon returning to Newport, he resumed his business with the help of his wife Virginia (Ward) Kirby of 67 years.
He was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church in Newport, where he served for many years in several capacities, including Boy Scout Leader, Trustee, and Ruling Elder. In addition, he was an active member of the church bowling league. He was a charter member and past president of the Middletown Rotary Club, where he served for many years. He was also a member of the Artillery Company of Newport for over 46 years and served as Commander from 1973-1976. Colonel Kirby rose to the rank of Brig General in the Rhode Island Militia awarded by Major General Robert Bray, former Adjutant General of Rhode Island, on February 2, 2008. He was awarded the Rhode Island Star in 2000 by Major General Reginald Centraccio, former Adjutant General of Rhode Island.
He was predeceased by his wife Virginia (Ward) Kirby and a son, Dane T. Kirby. His survivors include his daughter Marjorie K. Celico, and her husband Dick of Westerly, R.I.; his son Alan W. Kirby and his wife Elaine of Middletown; his granddaughters, Andrea C. Dumais and her husband Kenneth, and Holly J. Celico-Lee and her husband David; his two great grandchildren, Adam K. Dumais and Caroline J. Lee; and one niece and three nephews.
Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 1 from 5 to 8 p.m. in the Memorial Funeral Home, 375 Broadway, Newport, R.I. His funeral will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 2 at 11 a.m. in First Presbyterian Church, Broadway and Everett, Newport. Burial will be in Newport Memorial Park in Middletown, where Military Honors will be rendered.
Donations in his memory may be made to the First Presbyterian Church, Broadway and Everett, Newport, R.I. 02840, or to the Artillery Company of Newport, P.O. Box 14, Newport, R.I. 02840.
For condolences, information and directions, visit www.memorialfuneralhome.com