Robert Emmett Kirby Jr.

Rev. Mr. Robert E. (Bob) Kirby, Jr. died Friday afternoon, October 4, 2024, while serving our Lord at St. Dominic Catholic Church in Mobile, Alabama. He was born September 20, 1935 in Indianapolis, Indiana, to Robert E. and Antoinette Kirby.

“Deacon Bob” attended St. Joseph’s Preparatory school in Bardstown, Ky. He served 8 years in the United States Air Force and was honorably discharged. He moved on to selling real estate for a few years before joining the Better Business Bureau. In 1970 he was promoted to President and CEO of the BBB of South Alabama. He retired from the bureau in 1993. He served the Mobile Archdiocese, ordained a Deacon in 2002 faithfully serving St. Dominic Parish for over twenty-two years and served as the director of Catholic Charities for several years.

A pillar in the Mobile community, Bob served on various boards and was a relentless volunteer for organizations 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, Mercy Medical and many more.

“Deacon Bob” was an avid sailor. He started sailing with his bride Todd while living in Indiana and was thrilled to continue that passion when they moved to Mobile. He and Todd spent countless weekend trips enjoying the area waters such as Pirates Cove and Little Lagoon. Hurricane Katrina took their beloved sailboat, ‘Clown II’ in 2005.

He was loved by many at St. Dominic Catholic Church. As deacon he served many students, parishioners and others. His final act as a deacon was celebrating the Eucharistic Adoration at the church.

He was a loving, faithful husband, father and grandfather. He loved all children as was obvious by the fun ways he interacted with the St. Dominic students and other children. He would chat with them, crack their knuckles when shaking their hands and such. Parishioners commented often about his mis-matched colorful socks, which was one of his quirks. He had a love for clowns, as evident by his vast collection of clown statues and paintings throughout his home. He had a funny side but was very serious and steadfast about his religious beliefs.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Robert E. and Antoinette Kirby, devoted bride, 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, Alabama, 6 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren; one sister, Tish (Bob) Brafford of Indianapolis, Indiana and one brother, Mike (Debbie) Kirby of Indianapolis, Indiana.

“Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.”

Visitation will be Friday, October 18, 2024 at Pine Crest Funeral Home from 5:00-8:00 pm. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Saturday, October 19, 2024 at 10:00 am from St. Dominic Catholic Church. Father Jim Cink will be the celebrant. Interment will follow at Pine Crest Cemetery. Reception to follow at St. Dominic in the Murphy Center.

The family requests that expressions of sympathy take the form of contributions to the St. Dominic Parish.