Eugene J. Kirby

South Plainfield- Eugene J. Kirby, 82, died on Monday, August 27, 2007 at Genesis Elder Care - The Woodlands in Plainfield.

Born and raised in New Rochelle, NY, Eugene resided in Union City before settling to South Plainfield in 1961.

He served in the United States Navy during WWII as a torpedo man first class. Eugene was one of a few men who survived an attack during combat aboard the USS Cooper which was completely destroyed in 1944.

After his time in the service, he attended aircraft school and had worked for National Airlines. He most recently worked for Delta Airlines as their lead mechanic for 35 years before his retirement in 1985.

He is a member of the South Plainfield American Legion Chaumont Post #243 and a communicant of Sacred Heart Church in South Plainfield. He enjoyed auto racing, air planes and his cats.

His wife, Eileen (Lavin) died in 1997. He is also predeceased by his sister, Patricia Armstrong.

Surviving is a daughter, Barbara Dolinski and her husband, Joe of Piscataway and five grandchildren, Joseph & his wife, Shelly, Michael, James & Matthew.

Funeral services will be held on Friday August 31, 2007 at 9:15 AM in the McCriskin Home For Funerals, 2425 Plainfield Avenue, South Plainfield followed by a 10:00 AM funeral mass in Sacred Heart RC Church, South Plainfield.

Entombment will follow in Holy Redeemer Cemetery Mausoleum, South Plainfield.

Family and friends may attend the visitation on Thursday, August 30, 3007 from 2-4 & 7-9 PM in the funeral home