Joe Kilbury

Joe F. Kilbury
Obituary

Joe F. Kilbury, 65, of 8223 Cream Hill Road, Arkport, 14807, passed away peacefully after a courageous battle with cancer on June 4, 2011 at St. James Mercy Health, with his loving family by his side. Born in Hornell July 2, 1945, the son of the late Worden and Teresa (McCarthy) Kilbury. Surviving is his wife of forty-six years, Norma (Sick) Kilbury. Joe and Norma were married at St. Ignatius Loyola Church in Hornell on July 3, 1965. Joe was a 1964 graduate of Arkport Central School and attended Paul Smith College. He worked at the New York State Department of Transportation as a Civil Engineer for thirty-seven and one-half years, retiring in 2003. After retirement, he continued working as a consultant for MacFarland and Johnson and presently working as Engineer in Charge at Hunt Engineering for the City of Elmira. He owned and operated a Land Management business and also did land surveying. He was a Cub Scout Master, a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks Lodge #364 for thirty-four years, where he held the role of Exultant Ruler and was also a Trustee for several years. Joe was an avid sportsman and loved the great outdoors. He was a member of the Alleghany Plateau Association of Professional Land Surveyors, Arkport Rod and Gun Club, Hornell Sportsman Club, a life-time member and sponsor of the Ruffed Grouse Society, a sponsor of the National Wild Turkey Federation, a member of the Quality Deer Management Association, a life-time member of the National American Rifle Association, a member of Pheasants Forever, the New York State Trappers Association, Ducks Unlimited, and the Lake Hollow Conservation Club.

Joe was a volunteer fireman for the Fremont Fire Company and served as Fire Chief for several years. He was also a member of the Chemung Valley Region Car Club, and a member of the Steuben County Republican Committee. He was always busy helping others and had a strong zest for life. He enjoyed his family, especially his grandchildren. He always made time to attend their sports activities and school functions. Joe’s motto was “just keep on smiling”, even when he knew the dark clouds were moving in.

Other family survivors include his son, Jeffrey (Adele) Kilbury of Arkport and his daughter, Julie (Erik) Briggs of Dansville. Grandchildren Jessica Kilbury of Buffalo, Alaina Kilbury of Arkport, and Erin and Justin Briggs of Dansville. Sister and brother-in-law, Joanne and Thomas Spencer of Rochester. Several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Family and friends may call from 5  8 PM, Tuesday, June 7, 2011 at Bishop & Johnson Funeral Home Inc., 285 Main Street, Hornell. A Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks will hold a Memorial Service at 8:00 PM. A Catholic Mass will be held at St. Anns Church in Hornell at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, June 8, 2011. Interment will be at the Fremont Cemetery, Town of Fremont.

Memorial donations can be made in the name of Joe F. Kilbury to Our Lady of the Valley Parish, 31 Erie Avenue, Hornell, NY 14843, The First Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 6 Arkport, NY 14807, or Fremont Volunteer Fire Company, P.O. Box 462, Arkport, NY 14807.

Online condolences or remembrances of Joe are welcomed at www.bishopandjohsonfuneralhome.com