April 30th, 2018 by WCBC Radio
Robert “Bob” Delton Kirk, of LaVale, died Sunday, April 29, 2018.
Born March 31, 1935, he was the son of the late William Russell Kirk and Blanche (Turner) Warnick.
He was preceded in death by his son Rob and daughter Susan.
Bob grew up in Barton, Maryland, and graduated in 1953 from Barton High School. The “Barton Bomber” helped win three state championships in basketball. He then continued both his academic and athletic career at Frostburg State Teacher’s College, now known as Frostburg State University. At Frostburg, Bob earned 11 varsity letters across basketball, soccer, and baseball, and he was recognized among the inaugural class of the Frostburg State Athletic Hall of Fame.
After earning both a bachelor’s and master’s degree from Frostburg State, Bob taught at Mount Savage from 1964-1971. While at Mount Savage, he coached boys’ basketball and boys’ soccer, and led both programs to championships. In 1971, Bob was hired as the men’s basketball coach and athletic director at Allegany Community College. In his over 40-year career at the college, Bob coached the men’s basketball program for 33 years. During this time, he built a basketball dynasty that rivaled the best college athletic programs in history, and grew Allegany College of Maryland’s winning tradition with a total record of 927-158.
Bob retired as the men’s basketball coach in 2004, and as athletic director in 2012. For all of his nationally recognized success on the court, which led to his induction into the NJCAA Hall of Fame, Bob was just as proud of teaching strong character and dedicated work ethic off of the court. He was also tirelessly committed to helping others and generously supporting the community that embraced him. For decades, he ran the Western Maryland All-Star Basketball Camp that was attended by scores of local youth. The gymnasium at Allegany College of Maryland is named the Bob Kirk Arena in his honor.
Besides his love of coaching, Bob’s life revolved around his wife, children, and grandsons. He enjoyed family trips to Williamsburg and the Outer Banks, but also cherished special events and holidays at home.
He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Darlene (Hiett) Kirk, his son Jeff Kirk and wife Tracy, LaVale, and two grandsons, JT Kirk and James Kirk, both at home. He is also survived by his sister Virginia Mullen, Westernport, brother Bill Kirk and wife Clara, Chestertown, sister Kay Hobel and husband Dave, Barton, as well as several nieces and nephews.
Friends will be received at the Scarpelli Funeral Home, P.A., 15205 McMullen Hwy SW, Cresaptown, on Wednesday, May 2, 2018 and Thursday, May 3, 2018, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.
The funeral service will be held at the funeral home on Friday, May 4, 2018, at 10 a.m. with Gary Durr officiating.
Interment will be at Restlawn Memorial Gardens, LaVale.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Coach Bob Kirk Memorial Fund, Allegany College of Maryland Foundation, 12401 Willowbrook Road, Cumberland, MD 21502, or The Friends Aware Capital Campaign, 1601 Holland Street, Cumberland, MD 21502.
The family would like to thank Dr. Zamon and the staff of the WMHS Cancer Center for their compassionate and caring treatment they gave to Bob. They would also like to thank the loving caregivers, who were a true blessing to him and his family.
Words cannot begin to thank Bob’s friends and family, including his basketball “family,” who filled the bleachers for many years. He often commented how blessed he and his family were to have so many wonderful people in their lives.
Condolences for the family may be left at www.ScarpelliFH.com
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