Paul A. Kirby

Retired Lynn Deputy Fire Chief Paul A. Kirby, age 88, of Lynnfield formerly of Lynn, died Tuesday at home after a lengthy illness. He was the beloved husband of Alice (Tiernan) Kirby, with whom he shared 62 years of marriage.

Born in Lynn, Paul was the son of the late Charles and Esther (Casey) Kirby. He attended Lynn Schools and was a graduate of St. Mary’s High School. He enlisted in the United States Navy and proudly served his country during World War II.

Paul was appointed to the Lynn Fire Dept. on November 17, 1951. He was named a Lieutenant in May of 1959 and assigned to Engine 4. He rose to the rank of Captain on November 18, 1961 and was assigned to the Rescue Division. He later transferred to Engine 9 in 1964 and on October 18, 1973, was named Acting District Chief, a post which became permanent in November of that year. He received a Commendation in November of 1981 for his participation in the Lynn Conflagration of 1981. He was named the provisional Deputy Fire Chief on June 6, 1987 and in May of 1988 was named provisional Chief of the Department. Paul retired on July 8, 1988, after more than 37 years of service to the City of Lynn.

He was a member of the Gannon Golf Club for more than 30 years and belonged to the Shoe City League. He was a longtime member of Valladolid Council #70 Knights of Columbus and faithful communicant of Our Lady of the Assumption Church.

In addition to his wife, he leaves his daughters: Janice Sheehan and her husband John of Lynnfield and Mary Wall and her husband Garrett of Peabody. He was the brother of Mary Valeri of Nahant, the brother-in-law of William Tiernan of Ipswich, Dorothy Kirby of Lynn and Jane Kirby of NY and the father-in-law of Stefanie Kirby of Peabody. He is also survived by 7 grandchildren: Michael and his wife Jennifer, Brian and his wife Janine, Amanda and her husband John, Brendan and his fiancé Daniella, Christopher, Ryan and Jaclyn; 3 great grandchildren: Landon, Ava and Jack; and many nieces and nephews. Paul was the father of the late Paul Kirby, brother of the late Charles Kirby, Jr. and Richard Kirby, and brother-in-law of the late John Valeri.

Paul’s Funeral will be held from the CUFFE-MCGINN FUNERAL HOME, 157 Maple St. Lynn on Saturday at 10:30AM followed by a Funeral Mass in Our Lady of the Assumption Church, Lynnfield at 11:30AM. Relatives and friends invited. Interment St. Joseph’s Cemetery. Visiting Hours Friday 3-7PM. Gifts in his memory may be sent to the Alzheimer’s Association, 480 Pleasant St. Watertown, MA 02472.