Kirbie Burns

(Kirbie's Family Meats) COPLEY- Kirbie Forest Burns passed away surrounded by his family January 6, 2016. Born in 1941 in Lexington, VA to Kirbie and Louise Burns. Kirbie was a self made man, car and motorcycle enthusiast. He raised his family of three sons and one daughter in Akron. Starting his lifetime career as a butcher after being recruited by West Point Market at the age of 17. He then went on to operate his own butcher shops at the Mogadore Star Market, Arlington Star Market, East Avenue Stare Market culminating in his own specialty meat market in Cuyahoga Falls, Kirbie Family Meats and Catering in 1982. He instilled his hard work ethic to all his children, who all worked for him at various times. In 1997 Kirbie moved his business to a much larger location in Stow with his family in tow. Kirbie was a loving character who brought tears of laughter to many with his famous Kirbie-isms - ask and you shall receive. An award winning fixture at local rib burn offs, festivals and his legendary Oktoberfest for over 25 years. Loyal customers, fans and new friends waited in long lines just to talk to him and devour his delicious offerings. Kirbie was one of a kind, an elegant dancer, entrepreneur and a man's man always helping out those who reached out to him no questions asked. Kirbie was preceded in death by his parents, brother Michael, son Jeffrey Kyle and grandson Kent Kirbie Jr. He leaves behind the love of his life, wife Effie (nee: Fluty); children Kent (Susie), Kris (Kim) and Kelly (Tony) Vitrano; grandchildren Heather, Andrew (Brittany), Kasey (Jim), Anthony and Gabrielle; four great grandchildren and a host of nephews and nieces from far and wide. Kirbie was foremost a father and a friend to everyone. 'WE LOVE YOU DAD' A private family service will be held. Calling hours will be on Sunday, January 17, 2016 from 3-6, at the Grace Church Bath Campus Extension, 565 S. Cleveland-Massillon Road. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice of VNS at vsna.com.