John VanKirk

Loving Husband, Father, Grandfather, Veteran, Mason and Former Fireman

John M. VanKirk, 79, formerly of Prospect died peacefully surrounded by the love of his family on Monday, January 17, 2022 at Countryside Manor in Bristol.  He was the loving husband of Charlotte (Quick) VanKirk for over 58 years.  John proudly served his country in the US Air Force from 1960 to 1964.  He and Charlotte met while in the service, true soulmates.

John was a very active servant to his community in various roles.  He was a Lifetime Member of the Volunteer Fire Dept of Prospect, served on the Town Council of Prospect, was a member of the American Legion #113 and he and Charlotte explored the United States on their Goldwing with the American Legion Riders.  John was also a member of the Harmony Lodge #42 of Waterbury, CT and Morrison Lodge #76 of Elizabethtown, KY.  He was a 33rd degree Mason.  Obviously John cared about the citizens of his community but more importantly, John was a devoted family man; the sun rose and set on his four daughters.

Left to mourn his passing and cherish his love and memory are his wife Charlotte of Burlington, daughters Kimberly (Kevin) Eustace of Prospect, Karen (David) Wagner of Burlington with whom John and Charlotte made their home, Kristen (Daniel) Turgeon of Tucson Az, and Karolyn (Brent) Griswell of Elizabethtown, KY.  John also leaves his adoring grandchildren Erik, Jason, Sean, Raelynne, Heather, Brenna and Sydney and two step grandchildren Kelsey and Jesse as well as his great grandchildren Adam, Everly and Lennyn.  John will also be mourned by his sister Barbara Shriner of WV.

John was preceded in death by his two grandchildren Ryan Eustace and Chad Cables and his sister Virginia Voglar.

Friends and family may visit with John’s family on Friday, January 21, 2022 from 4 pm to 6 pm at Prospect Memorial/ The Palmerie Family Funeral Home, 72 Waterbury Rd., Prospect.  Prospect Memorial/ The Palmerie Family is dedicated to providing a safe environment for families to gather and memorialize their loved one, therefore those planning to attend are required to wear their mask while in the building regardless of vaccination status.  In appreciation and respect to John’s service as a Mason, Firefighter and Veteran of the United States Air Force, Military Honors, Fire Honor Guard and Masonic Rites will be accorded during the visitation.  John will be laid to rest in a private service in Prospect Cemetery at a future date.

Prospect Memorial/ The Palmerie Family Funeral Home is honored to be assisting the VanKirk family.  You are invited  to share a fond memory, photo or words of comfort for John’s family, on this website to John's Tribute Wall.

In lieu of flowers, if you so choose, memorial donations may be made to The Children’s Dyslexia Center, 529 Highland Ave., Waterbury, CT 06708

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of John VanKirk, please visit our floral store.