John Clifford Kirkwood, 89, died Friday December 8th at the Philip Hulitar Hospice Center after a brief illness.

He was born in Greenfield MA September 30, 1928

He was pre-deceased by his wife of 62 years, Elizabeth A Kirkwood, who passed May 25, 2017.

He is survived by daughters Kim A. Kirkwood, Robin Kirkwood Auld, Andrew Auld (son-in-law), Jacquelyn M. Kirkwood

He also leaves behind two sisters-in-law Barbara  Dorhamer and Alice Hinkley. He currently has 11 nieces and nephews.  He was predeceased by bothers-in-law, Raymond Dorhamer, Robert Isotti and Richard Hinkley.  Also, pre deceased by sisters -in-law Jane Kirkwood and Nancy Isotti.

Born to Clifford and Kathryn (Woodlock) Kirkwood and brother of William Kirkwood, John best known as Jack, lived in Greenfield most of his life. He graduated from Greenfield HS where he was a three sport athlete, baseball being the sport he was able to play internationally. His abilities in baseball took him down the path to become part of the Brooklyn Dodgers minor league organization where he played until injury ended his journey.

He served in the Army during the Korean War where he earned the rank of Sergeant before coming home to work at Galvin’s Package store that ultimately led him to owning and running his store, Jack’s Liquors, on Main Street in Greenfield. Owning the store put him in his element, meeting people, sharing a good laugh, putting in a hard day’s work and providing for his family. Upon selling the store he went to work for Hallmark Labs and then finished his full time working life on the MASS Turnpike. Another job he loved, as he was able to see so many people he had known through the years come through the toll booth where he would send them on their travels with a smile and a laugh.

After retiring, he went to work part -time at Yankee Candle, driving the employee van where his gentle spirit, wit and kindness we hope made a difference each day to those people he was taking to work.

Throughout the years he was very involved with the Rotary, Lions Club, Thomas Memorial Golf Club, The Meadows and Greenfield Tennis Organization.  He was an avid Tennis player and Golfer.  He loved all sports especially his RED SOX and cheered equally as hard for the Patriots, Bruins and Celtics. He also never missed a UCONN women’s basketball game.

A Liturgy of Christian Burial will take place on Wednesday December 13, 2017 at 11am at Blessed Sacrament Church in Greenfield with Rev. Timothy Campoli pastor officiating, followed by burial at Calvary Cemetery. There are no calling hours.

Please consider a donation on his behalf to Hope Hospice and Palliative Care of Rhode Island, 1085 N. Main St, Providence RI 02904-9826 or The Jimmy Fund, jimmyfund.org

Arrangements are under the direction of Kostanski Funeral Home.

Sympathy messages available at www.kostanskifuneralhome.com

 Service Information