Obituary of John Francis Kirk

John Francis Kirk, Jr. 85, of Oro Valley died September 30, 2008. He was born in Brooklyn, N.Y. to Anna Elizabeth Kilahey and John Francis Kirk, Sr. During World War II, he was a radio operator serving on the U.S.S. Indianapolis, earning seven battle stars. He was transferred about a month before the ship's sinking. After the war, he became a journalist, writing for business publications in the banking, finance and insurance fields. He wrote books and magazine articles under his own name and as a ghostwriter, serving as the first president of the Business Press Editors of New York City as well as having a book on the New York Times Best Sellers list. He was also a photographer for a major public relations firm. In his retirement, he remained active in his community. First in Paradise Falls, Pennsylvania, as a founding member and president of Pro Paradise and then in Sun City Vistoso publishing an e-newsletter with over 400 subscribers until his final illness this past August. John is survived by his wife, Helen Marie, nee Houston; five children: Katherine Ann Pekruhn, Margaret Mary (Peggy) Bootle, Paul Francis, Ann Regina Schweitzer and Gary Michael; five grandchildren: Colin and Lloyd Pekruhn, Anna Bootle, Shannon and Devon Kirk. Memorial services for John will be held at a future date. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in his honor to the Nature Conservancy by calling 1-800-628-6860. ARRANGEMENTS BY DESERT SUNSET CREMATION & FUNERAL SERVICES.