John Raymond Kirkley Sr.

Albany~ John Raymond Kirkley, Sr. passed away peacefully, surrounded by family members on August 14, 2021 in Albany, NY. John was born on January 30,1924 in Chatham, NY. John was the eldest son of the late Fate Kirkley and Mary Frazier. In his early twenties, John relocated to Orange, VA where he found employment as a farmhand and saw mill worker. He would later commute frequently between Chatham, NY and Orange, VA to help support his family. He would later relocate to Albany, NY with his daughter Essie and sister Christine. He performed numerous jobs but found his greatest joy in starting his own trash and rubbish removal business. He built a strong customer base and was known for his strong work ethic and reliability. In the late 60's, John met his beautiful future wife Sally Lipscomb. Their union would last over a half century. Her passing occurred just three weeks prior to his passing. He recently commented "Mama was gone and he would see her again soon".

John was a self-made man who worked with many prominent figures in Albany. For decades, he worked closely with the late real estate magnet Jack Goodman. He managed many of his properties. John worked well into his 80's with his last job being a kitchen helper at the famous Pagliacci's Ristorante in downtown Albany. The late owners son commented that he learned a great deal about work ethic from John. His willingness to help others was just one of the many gifts bestowed unto him. He was a father figure to so many and will be missed dearly. A Special Thanks and Appreciation for his dearest granddaughter Carmenia Groce for being his devoted caregiver.

John is survived by his eldest child, Essie Kirkley of Albany, NY, John Raymond Kirkley, Jr (Maryland) of Suffolk, VA, Darlene Kirkley Mathis, Sicklerville, NJ, and David Grimes, Albany, NY. John was also devoted stepfather to LeRoi Lipscomb (Barbara) of Jonesboro, GA, Ronald E. Lipscomb & Paulette Lipscomb of Albany, NY. He is also survived by a host of grandchildren and great grandchildren. The legacy of John Raymond Kirkley is destined to remain for generations to come.



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