Gerald Richard "Jay" Kirby Jr., 58, of Colchester, Vermont, passed peacefully on August 17, 2026, at McClure Miller Respite House in the arms of his mother and his Aunt Pam Gagnon by his side.

Born on July 29, 1968, in Burlington, Vermont, the son of Leah Ploof Racine and the late Gerald R. Kirby Sr. Jay lived a life marked by care for others and steadfast dedication to those in need. He graduated from Colchester High School in 1987 and soon began his working life as an LNA in several local nursing homes. In that role, he brought compassion and care to his patients in a way that was described as above and beyond.

After the death of his first daughter, Jessica Marie Kirby, on April 12, 1990, at 17 months old, Jay continued his work as an LNA and eventually enrolled at the Fanny Allen School of Nursing. He graduated in 1994 as an LPN and went on to focus his nursing work in hospice and terminal care. That work reflected the compassion and caring that had been part of Jay's life from the time he was a small child.

On June 9, 2014, Jay married his best friend and the love of his life Catherine Bessette who passed suddenly on 1/11/2020. In May of 2014, Jay was diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy and was placed on the heart transplant list at Tufts Medical Center in Boston. In 2024, he was diagnosed with neuroendocrine carcinoma large cell cancer, an incurable cancer that he fought hard for two years.

Jay is survived by his loving mother, Leah Racine, and his stepdad, David "Papa Dave" Racine; his children, Jonah Kirby, Malichi Kirby and their mother Adriana Penalosa Kirby, Rainia Underhill Kirby daughter of the late Heidi Underhill and Cathy's daughters, Myra Bessette (Chris), and Maranda Bessette; his granddaughters, Chloe Leah Kirby, age 5, and Alana Denise Kirby, age 3, Jonah's children. He is also survived by his dedicated brothers, Jeffrey J. Kirby, John C. Kirby, Richard G. Kirby (Jamie), Lee H. Kirby, and Michael S. Kirby; his loving sisters, Laurie Reilly (Pat), Lisa Marie, Carrie Racine Nadeau (Todd), and Julie D. Racine; his very special aunt, Pamela Gagnon, who was there until the end; and his best friend, Christina Baker, who made his final days loving and supportive. Jay also leaves behind many close friends and relatives.

In addition to his wife, Cathy, Jay was predeceased by his father; his grandparents; his uncle, Calvin J. Ploof Sr.; his cousins, Calvin J. Ploof III and Scott Ploof; and his precious first child, Jessica Marie Kirby.

Jay had a lifetime love of buying and selling Antiques and Collectibles from the time he was 11 years old working at the Charlotte Flea Market. He also loved going to the casino with his last trip taken from Respite House in a Limo driven by his special cousin Brad Kirby.

Jay was a very compassionate and caring person, and those who met and knew him loved him. His life was defined by service, especially through his work caring for others in nursing homes and in hospice and terminal care. He will be remembered with love by those named here and by all who knew him.

Calling hours will be held on August 26, 2026, from 05:00 PM to 07:00 PM at LaVigne Funeral Home 132 Main Street, Winooski. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. John Vianney Church at 160 Hinesburg Road, South Burlington at 11:00 AM on August 27, 2026, with burial to follow at Resurrection Park Cemetery.

We want to thank all the wonderful staff and volunteers at the Respite house for their loving care of Jay during his time there. In lieu of flowers please make donations to McClure Miller Respite House, 3113 Roosevelt Highway, Colchester, VT.