William (Bill) Dunne Kirby, 82, of Montpelier, VT died peacefully on February 12, 2024

Bill was born on December 19, 1941 to Virginia H Dunne and John J. Kirby, in New York City. Most of his childhood was spent in Norwich, NY, graduating in 1959 from Norwich High School. After a year at a Prep School in Washington D.C., he attended Norwich University, graduating in 1965. While at Norwich, he met and married his wife, Joan Miglierini. They were together for 62 years.

Bill served two years on active duty with the Army and then 20 years with the Reserve. He retired at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. After his active duty tour, Bill taught for two years at Montpelier High School and then spent the next 28 years in public service. Bill worked for the State of Vermont, in several departments – Highway, Employment Security, Attorney General's Office, VT Tax Department, and then culminated this amazing career as the Director of the Child Support Program for the Department for Children and Families. This was the position of which he was the proudest.

Bill's interests were many, not the least of which was playing the Vermont Lottery. He could often be seen scratching off tickets, while sharing jokes and singing Christmas Carols, even in July! He loved to hunt and fish and was an avid crossword puzzler. His last name could easily have been Webster, for there was not a word he didn't recognize or know the meaning of – he was a walking dictionary. He was a member of several local leagues throughout the years, to include softball, bowling, cribbage and golf. He was a member of the Montpelier Elks Club and may have spent the most time walking through the woods, beside the golf course, collecting lost golf balls.

Bill is survived by his wife Joan, his son Patrick and his wife Sara and granddaughters Maggie and Caroline; his son Kristopher and his wife Lesilee; brothers Thomas Fiori, Stephen and Peter Kirby and a sister Joan Ragsdale. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by one son, William Kirby II (Billy); a brother Jay and a sister Judy.

In keeping with what Bill wanted, there will be no public service. If anyone wishes, donations can be made to the Montpelier Food Pantry, the American Cancer Society or the Parkinson's Foundation.