William Albert Kirby, detail draftsman

William Albert Kirby, 98, was born in Oakmont, Pa., Sept. 13, 1921, and stepped into eternity from Port St. Lucie, Fla., Aug. 2, 2020, with family at his bedside. 

Bill worked 44 years as a detail draftsman for Ingalls Iron Works Company, Verona, Pa., a manufacturer of structural steel.  He was a World War II veteran who served as a radio/Morse code operator in the Army Air Force in Europe from 1944-46.  After retiring to Rehoboth Beach, he enjoyed going to the beach, watching the activity at the Lewes terminal of the Cape May-Lewes Ferry, and sitting on the  Boardwalk with a bag of roasted peanuts or caramel popcorn.  He was a member of Lewes Presbyterian Church where he served as an usher, clerk of Session, greeter and caretaker of the altar candles. He spent many hours puttering in his garage making wooden birdhouses and decorative shelves for family members.  He enjoyed solving the daily newspaper crossword puzzles, playing solitaire, and watching game shows on television.  He was a quiet and gentle man who trusted in God, loved his family and served his country.  

Bill  was preceded in death by his father, Thomas Wesley Kirby Sr. (1883-1935); his mother, Hilda Dittmar Kirby (1887-1973); his sister, Edna McElhose; his brother, Thomas Wesley Kirby II; and his great-grandson, James Shannon.  He is survived by his wife of 75 years, Florence Young Kirby; his children: Susan K. DiIorio (Jim) and William J. Kirby; his four grandchildren; and his 10 great-grandchildren.

A graveside service will be held Saturday, Oct. 10, at 1 p.m., at Lewes Presbyterian Church Cemetery, 133 Kings Highway, Lewes.  Arrangements are being handled by Parsell Funeral Homes and Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, Lewes.

Memorial contributions may be made in Bill's memory to Lewes Presbyterian Church, 133 Kings Highway, Lewes, DE 19958.

Please visit Bill's Life Memorial Webpage and sign his online guestbook at www.parsellfuneralhomes.com.