Raymond P. Kirby

Raymond P. Kirby ~ May 30, 1931 – December 30, 2020 Ray passed away on December 30th at his home in Fitchburg where he was being cared for by his daughter’s.Ray was born in Gardner, MA on May 30, 1931 to Leona (LeBlanc) and Harvey Kirby. He was married for 61 years to his wife Annette, who passed away in April 2020. He was also predeceased by his sister as well as his two sister and three brothers in laws. Ray was part of the National Guard for 11 years where he received special acknowledgement for his service during the Worcester Tornado disaster in June 1953. He worked many years at Simons Saw & Steel and after retirement stayed involved through the Rec Club. He also enjoyed working at Capital Toys and BJ’s. Ray is loved by all, one of the happiest, easy going guys ever. Loved doing anyone a favor and loved having a favor done for him! He was beyond organized and always had whatever was needed “downstairs” or “in the shed”! He was a handy man that could fix anything and was always thinking about the next “Kirby Plan”, they were always good ones Dad! In his younger days, Ray was an active roller-skater. He loved roller skating and working at the Whalom Roller Rink. He was part of a team that roller-skated from Moran Square Fitchburg to the Boston Garden. He would travel in the New England area to roller skate at different rinks. He had many stories to tell and we all loved them! One of his great thrills was meeting Hank Snow back in 1948 in Nova Scotia while visiting his Uncle and then several years later at a concert. We all heard this story and enjoyed it every time! Ray leaves behind a family that loves and adores him. His daughters and their husbands and a son; Sharon and Perry Zanghi of Lunenburg, Susan and Kevin Canody of Fitchburg and David Kirby of Fair Oaks CA. He leaves his four grandchildren; Justin Zanghi of Portland ME, Brittney Ducharme and her husband Tom of Leominster, Courtney Canody of Fitchburg and Ryan Kirby of Gardner. He also leaves three Great-Grandchildren who he loved spending time; Hunter Canody, Ava Ducharme and Oliver Kirby. We will all miss him so very much. A special thanks to his nephew, Deacon Steve Gendron for bringing communion and praying with him as he prepared to go to heaven. We’d also like to thank Health Alliance Hospice for the support and care they provided to our family. A Mass will be held on Friday, January 8th at 10:00 am at Saint Cecilia Church, 180 Mechanic St., Leominster with burial following at Saint Cecilia Cemetery. Open to whomever feels comfortable attending. The family will plan a celebration of Ray’s Life at a later date. Simard Funeral Home, 14 Walker St., Leominster is assisting the family with arrangements.