1936 - 2026
Born in Brookline, Massachusetts, Jack was the son of the late John J. Kirby, Sr. and Mary (Linehan) Kirby. He was raised and educated in Brookline and later attended Northeastern University.
Jack proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1959 to 1961, attaining the rank of Private First Class.
He built a long and dedicated career as a computer technician with RCA. In the final decade of his working life, he continued his craft repairing computers for the Harvard Kennedy School.
In recent years, Jack attended Chapel of the Cross in Westborough alongside his family, where he found comfort in both faith and community.
Jack found joy in life’s simple pleasures. He loved swimming, traveling, and especially cooking for his family, proudly serving as the household chef. A devoted Boston sports fan, he enjoyed cheering on the Celtics, Patriots, and Red Sox. Known for his humor and warmth, Jack loved telling stories, cracking jokes, and singing his favorite songs—bringing laughter and joy to those around him.
He is survived by his daughters, Karen Haskell and her husband Mark of Melrose, and Lisa Elster and her husband Bob of Bellingham; and his cherished grandchildren, Caleb Elster, Arianna Elster, and Matthew Haskell. He also leaves many loving nieces and nephews.
In addition to his wife, Janet, Jack was predeceased by his siblings, Carol Fisher and William Kirby.
Calling hours will be held on Monday, May 4, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Pickering & Son Westborough Funeral Home, 62 West Main Street, Westborough.
A graveside service with military honors will take place at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, May 5, at St. Joseph’s Cemetery, 900 Lagrange Street, West Roxbury. Attendees are asked to meet at the cemetery’s main gate.
A Celebration of Life service will follow at 12:00 PM at Chapel of the Cross, 160 Flanders Road, Westborough. A luncheon will be announced following the service.
All are welcome to attend and celebrate Jack’s life.
Expressions of sympathy in Jack’s memory may be made to the Bellingham Senior Center, located at 40 Blackstone Street in Bellingham.
