Dennis Patrick Kirby passed away on September 20 ^th , 2021 at Michigan Medical in Ann Arbor. Dennis was born on April 1 ^st , 1949 in Providence Hospital on W. Grand Blvd. in Detroit, Michigan. Dennis was the second born son of Wilfrid and Jacqueline (Braun) Kirby. He joined his brother Michael and was followed by Tim and Mary Beth who completed the family. Dennis graduated from St. Robert Bellarmine Grade School, where he drove the Sisters absolutely crazy. He then moved on to Salesian High School, where he drove the Priests and Brothers crazy until he graduated in 1967. After graduating High School he attended Schoolcraft College where he earned an associates degree in automotive technology. In 1969 Uncle Sam came calling and he joined the Naval Reserves. Ultimately being based in Pearl Harbor and serving in the Pacific on active duty. After he came home in 1973 he purchased his first Harley Davidson Motorcycle, a white and blue Super Glide.

While working at Packer Pontiac a few years later, Dennis met Deborah Gallagher and their daughter Dana was born in December of 1979. In the summer of 1986, Dennis met his soul mate Cherylann "Jo-Jo" Fancher at the birthday party of a mutual friend. They immediately clicked and with Cheryl's daughter Stacey the new family of four was complete.

Together and with their own hands, Dennis and Cheryl built their dream home on Long Lake in Hillman, Michigan. It was at this dream home where in 1999 they finally said "I Do".

In 2001, Stacey gave birth to their first granddaughter Haley who they loved wholeheartedly. Dennis became known as Opa.

Sadly in 2006, Cheryl lost her battle with brain cancer. This resulted in Dennis entering a new phase in his life where he was able to leave his comfort zone and try new things.

After retiring from the Army TACOM in 2010, he sold his house in Rochester Hills and purchased a new home in Florida. He then split his time between Hillman and Florida and was the absolute poster child for being retired.

In 2013 two more grandchildren were born, Brian (Dana) and Madison (Stacey). Dean (Dana) followed in 2015.

In addition to spending time with his grandchildren, Dennis enjoyed riding his latest Harley, brewing his own beer, hunting, cooking/BBQ-ing, reading and hanging out with friends at the local bar.

Dennis was a man of integrity, he was our daddy, he was a loving Opa, a good brother, a great friend and an old-school Bad A…

The family suggest contributions to The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society or the charity of your choice.

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