Frederick M. Kirby

Frederick Michael Kirby, 86, passed away peacefully on April 28, 2025 at his home in Lighthouse Point, Florida. He was surrounded by those who loved him dearly.

He was born in Youngstown Ohio in 1938, the first born son to "Doris" Wilma Kirby and Harry Kirby, a roller in the steel mills. He is survived by his loving spouse, Lenore, and his beloved children; Colleen (husband John Cho), Megan, Kierin, Seth (wife Ana Lynch), Caitlin (partner Erik Weshnak), and grandchildren Linnea Kirby and Gavin Cho. He is also survived by his siblings Brian Kirby (wife Gail), Kits Tibolla (partner Terry Jones), and nephew James Tibolla. His brother, Tim Kirby and wife Diane (both predeceased) nephew, Michael (predeceased), and niece Kellie.

Fred lived for the experiences in life, took risks that most would not, enjoyed a challenge, and never gave any success or failure more weight than it deserved. He was a snappy dresser, ethical and hardworking, up for adventure and maintained a romantic outlook throughout his life. He had a sensitive heart, was easily touched, and had a warm and loving presence. He was a man of honor, wisdom, integrity, humor, strength and love. Because of these traits, he had a full and varied life.

He attended Youngstown University, became a husband and father in his early twenties, and made a significant leap, attending and graduating from Harvard Business School. He served as a reservist in the Marines at that time as well. Early on, he memorably drove a used out-of-commission hearse, one of the few cars affordable to a young family of five. He was intensely creative, and for a period after his first marriage, he was a jeweler, a painter, a sculptor, harmonica player and builder of color organs. It was during this period, living in Pittsburgh, PA that he met the love of his life, Lenore, whom he cherished.

Fred worked for The Hillman Company before moving with Lenore to Lynchburg, Virginia, and serving as President of Mrs. Giles Country Kitchens, returning the company to profitability during his years there. He and Lenore enjoyed renovating and living in a 250-year-old log cabin on the James River where their son, Seth, was born. He then moved his family to Colleyville, Texas where their daughter Caitlin was born and where he started his own company, Mrs. Crockett’s Country Kitchens. He co-founded The Refrigerated Foods Association now in its 45th year as a global organization. Wanting to provide fresh and healthy family meals, he started two other companies, Easy Street and Cooking Fresh. Throughout his career as a company president and a CEO, the welfare of his employees was a priority to Fred.

Fred loved the ocean and throughout his life he spent time with his family on the North Carolina beaches before retiring to Orange Beach, Alabama. He taught his children to have a strong work ethic and to always look for the positive in people and in life. He taught them to swim, fish, crab, and sail, to love a good diner and dive bar, and to always take the scenic route. He was very proud of each of his five children and encouraged them to follow their interests. After retirement he enjoyed being a member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary, Flotilla 3-10. During that same time he supported his wife when she returned to work as a teacher, cooking great dinners and holding down the fort at home. Involved in community activities, Fred had a vegetable garden and even found time to write a 350 page novel. He faced a diagnosis of dementia with courage and dignity. He was kind and loving throughout this trial and continued to draw people to him. He was loved and cherished dearly and his absence is deeply felt.

During his illness, VITAS Healthcare provided excellent and loving hospice care. Donations can be made to them online at vitascommunityconnection.org.