Kelby Kirby

 Kelby Jay Kirby, of Chenango Forks, passed away March 13, 2024 at the age of 66. He died at Wilson Hospital from complications of pneumonia. He was born Sept 25, 1958 in Binghamton, N.Y. Kelby was predeceased by his loving parents Beatrice and Kaska B. Kirby; his sisters Glenda Crouch, Gayle Packer, Gilda Smith; his brother Kermit T. Kirby; half-brother Klendin Kirby, half-sisters Kleona Kirby and Kleoda Carey. He is survived by his loving sister Gia Kirby, sister-in-law Martha Kirby and many nieces and nephews. He was the youngest child of the family and born with the Gift of Down Syndrome. He was loved by all who knew him.

Up until the unexpected death of his mother in 1978 Kelby was cared for by both of his parents. His father continued to care for him at home, until the age of 94 when Kaska fell and broke his hip and leg. Kaska then hesitantly sent Kelby to live in group homes run by OPWDD. Kaska (dad) visited him faithfully every week until he passed. For the Last 16 years Kelby resided at the group home on Pamela Drive in Chenango Forks where he received excellent care. He also loved attending school at CB Lord- Broome Day Services on Riverside Drive.

A few of the things he especially enjoyed were trucky-trucky-truckies, booky-booky-bookies (especially old Sears catalogs), The Wizard of Oz, music of all kinds which he loved to direct from his chair and keyboards to create his own! His great passion was eating, he LOVED food!

His family gives honor and thanks to the many individuals who cared for him over the years both at school and in his home. We literally could not have done it without you. And to those who loved him like family, we want you to know that you made all the difference for him and for us. We love you and are forever indebted to you!

A Celebration of life will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints 1 Lions Park Lane in Greene, N.Y. at 12:30 Friday March 22nd, all are welcome. His family will lay him to rest with his beloved parents at South Street Cemetery in Triangle, N.Y. prior to services. Sign his online guestbook at www.HEFUNERALHOME.com

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