Donna Kirby

Donna Kirby, 77 of Hinsdale, MA, passed unexpectedly but peacefully in the comfort of her own home on Tuesday, July 12, 2022.  Born December 1, 1944 in Pittsfield, MA, she was the daughter of the late William and Irene Berry Kirby Gillette.  Donna was a 1962 graduate of St. Joseph’s High School and in 1974 began a long career at General Electric and its successors. She worked in a variety of roles from Program Engineer and Logistics to Senior Fleet Support Specialist, the position she held at the time of her retirement in 2004.  In her spare time, Donna was an avid reader and enjoyed many books, particularly those of author Stephen King.  She was loved by many and will be missed by all who knew her.

Donna is survived by her son, Donald E. DiCarlo, Jr. (fiancé Michele), her daughter Mary Kowalczyk (L.J.) and her “second daughter” Penny Smith-Day.  She also leaves her four grandchildren, Christopher and Alexandra Kowalczyk, Nicholas DiCarlo and Mitchell, as well as her brothers William Kirby (Marilyn) and Thomas Gillette, sister-in-law, Martha Kirby, and many nieces and nephews.  Donna was predeceased by her granddaughter Brianna DiCarlo (2004) and her brother, Shaun Kirby (2022).

A Memorial Mass will be held Thursday, July 21, 2022 at 9:00 A.M. at St. Joseph’s Church, 414 North Street, Pittsfield, MA, with Monsignor Michael Shershanovich, officiating.  There are no calling hours and burial will be private.  Due to her love of books and passion for reading, memorial donations in Donna’s honor may be made payable the “Hinsdale Public Library” and mailed to the DEVANNY-CONDRON FUNERAL HOME, 40 Maplewood Avenue, Pittsfield, MA  01201