Deacon John Thomas Kirk, 77, of Cape May Court House, died Aug. 14
A permanent deacon in the Diocese of Camden and the Archdiocese of Miami for almost three decades, he was born Feb. 21, 1948, in Camden to Joseph B. and Eleanor E. (McCart) Kirk.
Deacon Kirk graduated from Bishop Eustace High School in 1966, and went on to earn his bachelor of science degree from Mount Saint Mary’s in Emmitsburg, Md., in 1970. He later earned a master of education degree from Glassboro State College.
A gifted teacher and mentor to countless students, he dedicated his life to Catholic education in New Jersey and Florida. In the Diocese of Camden, he taught high school English, history and theology at Saint Joseph in Camden, Saint Joseph in Hammonton, and Sacred Heart in Vineland.
Between teaching assignments, Deacon Kirk worked for 14 years as an insurance broker with Fairview Associates in New Jersey.
With a call to serve, he began his journey to the diaconate in 1991; he was ordained in the Diocese of Camden in 1997 by Bishop James T. McHugh. His first assignment was at Saint Mary Parish in Williamstown.
For the next 28 years, he was a tireless and faithful servant. After time in the Archdiocese of Miami, he returned to the Diocese of Camden in June 2019, to Saint Brendan the Navigator Parish in Avalon, where he served before retiring a month later.
“A gifted preacher, John was known for using his own life experiences to preach the Word of God,” his family remembered in announcing his passing.
Deacon Kirk is survived by his wife of 52 years, Mary “Sissy” (Graham) Kirk; his children, John Kirk (Marylou), Fran Kirk Pineros (Felipe), Matthew Kirk (Emily) and Kathleen Kirk Stoves (Jared); and 14 grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, brothers and a son, Peter Kirk.
Visitation will be held from 9 to 10:40 a.m. on Aug. 20 at Maris Stella Catholic Church, 252 50th St., Avalon. A Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11 a.m. Burial will follow at Resurrection Cemetery.
The Mass will also be available on livestream via the Saint Brendan the Navigator Facebook page.
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