WORCESTER – Donald J. Kirby, Jr., 79, passed away peacefully September 20, 2020 at Bassett Medical Center in Cooperstown.

He was born July 25, 1941 in Patchogue, the son of Donald J. and Mable Knor (Weissmann) Kirby.

Donald married Alice Jean Ehrle.  They moved to the Worcester area in 1969.

He worked as an electrician at SUNY Cobleskill then transferring to SUNY Oneonta.

Donald was an active member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Worcester, where he helped take care of the church grounds and was a 3 ^rd Degree Knights of Columbus.  He was a member of the NRA and of the Charlotteville Fire Department, serving as a past chief.  He loved his garden, tinkering on old vehicles, and had quite a sense of humor with the ability to make people laugh.  He was always ready to help others in need, and he was proud to be known as "Dad" by so many.

He is survived by his children, Donna Jean and James Empie, Daniel Edward and Susan Kirby; grandchildren, Anthony, James, Brandon, Natasha, and Alexa; and many great-grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his parents; wife, Alice and son, Donald Joseph Kirby III.

Due to the current limitation restrictions, there will be a private funeral mass at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Worcester.

Donations may be made to the American Cancer Society; www.cancer.org

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to, www.hellerskinnerfh.com

Arrangements are with the Heller & Skinner Funeral Home, 155 Main St. Worcester.