Obituary of Neal F. Kirk

Neal F. Kirk, 91, beloved husband of over 66 years of Helen P. "Pat" (Chagnon) Kirk, entered into eternal life on Wednesday, February 22, 2017. Born in Hopkinton, NY, he was the son of the late Clyde Kirk and Elizabeth (O'Leary) Earl. He was a graduate of Potsdam High School and of coursework at HVCC, RPI and Union College. Mr. Kirk was a World War II veteran having proudly served in the United States Marine Corps and survived the Battle of Peleliu. He was wounded on 10 May 1945 and was awarded the Purple Heart, Certificate of Satisfactory Service and the Good Conduct Medals. He was a Nuclear Engineer and Manager employed for over 35 years before retiring in 1988 from Knolls Atomic Power Laboratory in West Milton and had previously been a New York State Trooper as well as employed at the Watervliet Arsenal. Neal supported the Disabled American Veterans, was a competitive pistol shooter and expert and belonged to several local pistol leagues, was a model ship builder, volunteered at Bradley International Airport and had been a communicant of St. Mary's Church in Ballston Spa. Beloved husband of Helen P. "Pat" Kirk of Clifton Park, devoted father of Cynthia L. (James) Christiansen of Clifton Park and Neal J. (Donna) Kirk of East Hampton, CT, cherished grandfather of Neal Patrick (Ginneane) Kirk of East Hampton, CT, brother of the late Aleatha Keefe. Funeral service will be held on Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. at the Gordon C. Emerick Funeral Home, 1550 RT-9, Clifton Park, NY 12065. Relatives and friends may call at the funeral home on Monday from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. Interment with military honors will be held in the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, Schuylerville. Those desiring, may make memorial contributions to the Capital City Rescue Mission, 259 South Pearl Street, Albany, NY 12202, in memory of Neal F. Kirk. Please express your on-line condolences by visiting gordoncemerickfuneralhome.com