Hudson – Raymond Malvern Kirby, 75, of Hudson, passed away Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2018 at UMass Medical Center in Worcester.
Ray was born Oct. 16, 1942 in Worcester to the late Raymond and Florence Kirby. He attended Algonquin High until 1960, where he played football, basketball, and excelled in baseball.
He was in the Air Force from 1960 to 1964 earning the rank of Airman 2nd Class. He served 18 months in Izmir, Turkey.
Upon returning to the states, he met and married Shirley Carr. To this marriage, he welcomed three children., Valerie, Raymond, and Debbie. He married Christine Ledoux Sept. 12, 1982. They celebrated their 35th anniversary this past September. With this marriage, Ray welcomed Sean Mulhall as his step-son.
He attended Worcester Junior College where he earned a degree in Business Administration and Accounting and William Patterson State College Ward Computer School.
Ray spent his life in sales working at various businesses, including Bay State Abrasives (1964-1970), Bullard Abrasives, Adonis Fitness Equipment, and Form and Teak. He also worked as a bartender at Monahan’s in Lake Boon and as a fitness trainer.
After his retirement, he could most often be found hanging out with Chris, watching any New England Pro Team sport, growing his collection of New England Patriots memorabilia, and talking sports. He took great joy in hearing about his grandchildren and participating in their events when he was able.
Left to cherish his memory is his wife, Chris; his children, Valerie (Mike) Corbin, Moville, Iowa; Raymond (Michelle) Kirby, Hudson, Ma; Debbie (Noah) Worley, Richmond, Texas; and step-son Sean Mulhall, Orrick, Missouri. Grandchildren Craig (Destany) Kirby – Bronson Iowa, Heather (David) Wagner – Salix, Iowa, Caitlin Walker- Moville Iowa, Tyler Kirby – Hudson MA, Khloey Kirby – Hudson Ma, Samuel Worley- Richmond Tx, Isaiah Worley (Richmond TX) , Allison Mulhall (Florida), Sean Jr Missouri). and Zachary (Michigan). Great-grandchildren Cole Kirby (Craig), Gracelyn and Madison Wagner (Heather), and Alan Reyes (Caitlin). Sisters Sally Kirby (Illinois) , Jane Kirby, Kay Kirby, June Masiello, Terri Wood (Worcester), Sister in laws Susanne Walker (Cape Cod), Jackie Ledoux (New Mexico), and brother in law Richard Ledoux (Worcester). And numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his in-laws, Edmond and Muriel Leduox.
Calling hours will be held Tuesday, Jan. 30, from 4-7 p.m., at TIGHE HAMILTON REGIONAL FUNERAL HOME, 50 Central St., Hudson. Burial will be held at a later date at the convenience of the family.
Ray’s family requests that flowers be omitted, and memorial donations be made to the Hudson Food Pantry, 28 Houghton St., Hudson, MA 01749 (http://www.hudsoncommunityfoodpantry.org/).
