Deacon Robert Kirby: 1935-2024 A servant until his final day

By Rob Herbst
The Catholic Week
Deacon Robert Kirby faithfully served the Lord and served others until the very end. 
The longtime deacon at St. Dominic Parish in Mobile had just completed leading a Eucharistic Adoration service for schoolchildren on Oct. 4 when he collapsed and passed away soon after. Deacon Kirby was 89.
“He loved the children of the school, present at school Masses and school events. While his death sudden, he died ministering to the children in a supreme act of adoration,” said Fr. Jim Cink, who serves as pastor at Blessed Francis Xavier Seelos Parish in Spanish Fort, but had been a longtime pastor at St. Dominic Parish.  
“Deacon Kirby collapsed between the tabernacle and the altar after reposing the Blessed Sacrament.  One parishioner wrote, ‘As he placed Jesus back in his home, our beloved Deacon went home.’ He finished Adoration with shear will and love of the Eucharist.”
Deacon Ronnie Hathorne, director of the permanent diaconate for the Archdiocese of Mobile added it was “fitting” that his final moments on earth were leading Adoration at the parish because “He loved all the parishioners and particularly the children. And they all loved him.”
“He always responded with a yes to serve. And that is why I was not surprised at all to hear that Bob passed on to be with the Lord just after completing Adoration with the children and returning the Blessed Sacrament to the tabernacle.  And upon Bob completing his last act of service, the Lord called him home.”
“Deacon Bob” dedicated 22 years of service to the parish and archdiocese as a deacon. He was ordained in 2002 and also served as director of Catholic Charities for several years. 
“Deacon Kirby faithfully cared for the poor as Director of Catholic Charities.  He believed in the work of Catholic Charities,” Fr. Cink said.
Deacon Bob was also a pillar in the community. He was a former president and CEO of the Better Business Bureau of South Alabama and also served on various boards. He was a relentless volunteer for organizations – secular and Catholic – such as Sales and Marketing Executives, Alabama District of Kiwanis, Mobile’s Neighborhood Improvement Council, SCORE, Mobile Chamber of Commerce, Boys and Girls Clubs of America, Arthritis Foundation, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Little Sisters of the Poor and Mercy Medical.
Deacon Bob was born Sept. 20, 1935 in Indianapolis to Robert E. and Antoinette Kirby. After attending St. Joseph Preparatory in Bardstown, Ky., he served eight years in the U.S. Air Force and was honorably discharged. 
While Deacon Bob was committed to serve, he also had a lighter side. Parishioners remarked about his mismatched colorful socks – one of his quirks. He also had a vast collection of clown statues and paintings in his home. An avid sailor, Hurricane Katrina took his boat “Clown II” in 2005. 
“He was loved at the parish for his straightforward and practical approach to ministry and as a spiritual leader,” Fr. Cink said. “While straightforward, he touched people, by being one of them.  He was authentic in his ministry and very approachable.”
Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Robert E. and Antoinette Kirby, devoted bride of 60 years, Todd, sisters Margot Burke, Mimi Murphy, Sue Leonard and his son, Timothy Patrick Kirby.
He is survived by his daughter, Kris (Bill) Schaffer and son, Kevin (Monica) Kirby of Mobile, six grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren; one sister, Tish (Bob) Brafford of Indianapolis and one brother, Mike (Debbie) Kirby of Indianapolis.
Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m. Oct. 18, at Pine Crest Funeral Home. Mass of Christian burial will be at 10 a.m. Oct. 19 at St. Dominic Catholic Church. Fr. Cink will be the celebrant. Interment will follow at Pine Crest Cemetery. 
The family requests that expressions of sympathy take the form of contributions to St. Dominic Parish.
Said Deacon Hathorne: “Well done Good and Faithful Servant, well done.  May Bob now Rest In Peace with his beloved wife, Todd.  And may all our deacons follow the model and examples of service provided to us by our brother, Deacon Bob. Amen!”