Obituary: Donald R. Kirk; Had a Great Love and Gift For Carpentry, Built His Own Cabin Cruiser

Obituary from Peterson-O’Donnell Funeral Home.

Donald R. Kirk, 81, of Danvers, formerly of Swampscott, died Saturday, August 22, 2015 at Salem Hospital surrounded by his loving family after a lengthy illness. He was the beloved husband of Claire H. (Gill) Kirk, with whom he shared 53 years of marriage.

Born in Salem, Donald was the son of the late Henry F. and Susan F. (Nolan)Kirk. He was raised and educated in Swampscott and was a graduate of Swampscott High School. Upon graduation, he entered the United States Army and proudly served his country. He was a longtime resident of the Town of Swampscott prior to moving to Danvers in 1998, where he has since resided.

At the time of his retirement, Mr. Kirk was employed as an engineer with E G & G in Salem for many years. He was a devout communicant at St. Mary of the Annunciation Church in Danvers and a longtime member of the North Shore Computer Society.

An avid gardener, Donald also had a great love and gift for carpentry and built his own cabin cruiser which he, his wife and family enjoyed immensely. Above all else, he was devoted to his family and especially enjoyed summers on Crystal Lake in Gilmanton, NH.

In addition to his loving wife, Donald is survived by his children: Michael Kirkand his wife Shawna of Beverly, Debbie Kirk of Saugus, and Kevin Kirk and his wife Kim of Matthews, NC. He was the loving papa to Nolan Kirk of Beverly and Caroline, Aiden and Grace Kirk all of Matthews, NC. He was the uncle to Jason Romano and his wife Julie of Belfast, ME and Jessica Doyle of Naples, FL. He was the brother-in-law to Kathie Pelley of Naples, FL. He was predeceased by his beloved grandson, Cameron Kirk and his brother-in-law, Jim Pelley.

ARRANGEMENTS- His Funeral will be held from the Peterson-O’Donnell Funeral Home 167 Maple St. (Rt.62) Danvers Thursday at 8:15AM followed by his Funeral Mass in St. Richard’s Church, Danvers at 9AM. Relatives and friends invited. Burial in Annunciation Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy in his memory may be made to the Dana Farber Pediatric Cancer Research PO Box 849168 Boston, MA 02284. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visitwww.odonnellfuneralservice.com