George J. Kirkby

George J. Kirkby, 77, passed away at Morristown Medical Center, Morristown, N.J., on Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2015. He was born on July 14, 1937, in Harrington, Del., to the late Joseph and Miriam Sibitzky Kirkby. George was a resident of Wilmington, Del., then moved to Hasbrouck Heights, Ramsey and in 1986 to Franklin Borough, N.J.

George served honorably in the United States Air Force. After the service, he was a quality assurance supervisor at Bendix Corporation and then an over the road driver for Channel Lumber Co. in Whippany for 20 years retiring 12 years ago. George was a single/twin engine airplane instructor at Caldwell Airport. He also held a Glider's License and was a tow pilot at Valley Soaring in Middletown, N.Y.

George is survived by his beloved wife, Jean Crotty Kirkby, two loving daughters and their spouses, Penny and Gabriel Cidri of Danbury, Conn., Debbie and Kevin O’Brien of West Milford, N.J., his cherished granddaughter Meghan, his four sisters Rosalie Napier, Helena Stilwell, Loretta Little, and Miriam Rutynowski, and his many Nieces and Nephews.

Relatives and friends will be received Saturday, Jan. 24 at F. John Ramsey Funeral Home, 1 Main St., Franklin, N.J., from noon to time of service at 3 p.m. In lieu of flowers donations to Regional Cancer Care Associates 89 Sparta Ave, Suite 130, Sparta, NJ 07871 or the American Cancer Society would be appreciated. For directions and online condolences see http://www.fjohnramseyfuneralhome.com/.