Obituary of Jared William Kirkey

JARED WILLIAM KIRKEY

LATHAM - Jared William Kirkey went to heaven on February 1, 2023. He entered the world late as usual on December 19, 1994, making our world more kind and joyous that morning. The love he shared with all of us was immense, but none more than he had with his mom, Stacy. They were each other's world and shared a bond like no other.

As soon as Jared could make noise he laughed; a laugh and smile that lit the room. A laugh so distinctive that everyone knew it. He shared that laughter with no one more than his adoring grandfather for the first 8 years of his life. We know that he is back in the arms of Pop (William Kirkey). They are throwing a ball, laughing hysterically with each other, eating ice cream, and spending a lot of time at Denny's.

The moment Jared could walk, he ran. And, he was fast. His athletic abilities were apparent early on, and he loved every ball he touched and game he could be a part of. He excelled at them all, but football was his passion. He was recruited by many colleges, and chose to attend Cortland U. Jared's fondest memories were on the Shaker High School football field, where he took such pride in being part of a team with teammates and coaches he loved. They were the Section II Champions in 2012 and he was the team's Defensive MVP. Jared graduated Shaker HS in 2013 and HVCC in 2015.

Jared's biggest fans were his Nana, who lovingly doted on him, Papa Gary, Aunt Missey, and his Aunt Lori and Uncle Judd, as well as his cousins, who were like siblings; Alexa, Justin, and Lindsay. Jared enjoyed and spent many fun-filled times with his cousins, swimming, skiing, eating, traveling, and just being together. Jared loved his dog Wags, as well as Lenny, Scooter, Boozer, and (for a hot second) Blacky.

Jared was the light of his mother's life. She will sorely miss the simple days of life laughing together, watching TV, racing around Latham, and Jared pinching her cheeks and telling her how cute she is. Our world is shattered and we can only be grateful for the 28 years we had with our JarJar. Heaven has gained a strong, gentle, kind, compassionate and handsome angel. We love you Jared and could not be more grateful and proud to have had you in our lives.

Jared is survived by his mother Stacy Kirkey of Latham, father David King of Albany, grandparents Joanne & Gary Reynolds of Loudonville, his Aunt & Uncle Lori & Judd Feinman and cousins Alexa, Justin, & Lindsay Feinman of Loudonville, his Aunt Melissa Seeberger of Albany, and his grandmother Michelle Van Hoesen of Schenectady, as well as many loving aunts, uncles, cousins, & special friends who are like family. Jared was preceded in death by his grandfather William Kirkey and great-grandfather Pasquale Carusone.

Those wishing to honor Jared's memory in a special way may make a donation to Make-A-Wish NENY at https://wish.org/neny, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at https://www.stjude.org/donate, and/or The Wicklund Warriors at https://www.wicklundwarriors.com/donate. 

Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend calling hours and celebrate Jared's life on Monday, February 6, 2023 from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at the Dufresne & Cavanaugh Funeral Home, 149 Old Loudon Rd., Latham. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, February 7, 2023, 10:00 AM at St. Pius X Church, 23 Crumitie Rd., Loudonville with Rev. James Walsh, celebrant. Interment will immediately follow the mass in the family plot of St. Agnes Cemetery, Menands.

To order flowers or leave a condolence message for the family please visit www.dufresneandcavanaugh.com.