Andrew J. (AJ) Kirk
Born October 18, 1985
Andrew James (AJ) Kirk, age 30, of New Castle, DE, passed away suddenly on Tuesday, October 27, 2015.
Born on October 18, 1985 in Newark, DE, AJ was a lifelong resident of New Castle and was just recently in the process of moving to Oaklyn, NJ. He graduated from Howard Technical High School in 2003. AJ enjoyed yoyo’s and participated in several world, national, regonial and local competitions, and was considered one of the top yoyo players in the world. His interest in yoyo’s started when he was working for Mitchell’s on Concord Pike and was a member of the store’s weekly yoyo club. In 2006, he captured third place in the World yoyo competition in the 5A division, or freehand as it is better known and in 2008, AJ finished a mere 8 points out of the finals in the World Championship. In April of 2013, he earned his 2nd straight 5A title at the Northeast Regionals. AJ had his own signature yoyo, the Ringmaster. Since 2005, he was a member of Team YoYo Jam.
AJ previously worked at the AI DuPont Hospital for Children as a patient escort and entertained many children with his yoyo and juggling acts. He received enormous joy from seeing a smile on each child’s face. He worked at Tiki Tiki Board Games in Woodbury, NJ, participating in the weekly Tiki Tiki YoYo Club. He also enjoyed juggling. AJ was employed at both the Deptford and Cherry Hill Malls. Active in his community, he was an Eagle Scout and a member of the Good Will Volunteer Fire Company No. 1 in New Castle.
AJ was preceded in death by his grandparents, James T. Kirk and Richard F. and F. Irene Hall. He is survived by his loving mother, Pam Ingle (Grover) of New Castle; father, Kenneth G. Kirk of Port Penn; half-brother, Bryan Kirk; step-sister, Melanie Silvia; grandmother, Leontia Kirk; girlfriend and soulmate, Karin Johnson of Oaklyn, NJ, whom he adored; and also by several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 3 pm until 6 pm on Sunday, November 1, 2015 at the Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 1000 N. DuPont Parkway, New Castle, DE. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 11 am on Monday morning, November 2, 2015 at Holy Spirit R.C. Church, 12 Winder Road, New Castle, DE. Interment will follow in Glebe Cemetery, New Castle, DE.
Bridget Andrews
Andrew, I will miss you in so many ways.. You have been there when I just needed to talk to someone and when my son needed you, you stepped up and helped out. You are loved by so many and always will be.. Give lady and poppop kisses for all of us… Rest in peace…
Someone Special
I love you!
Mary Ada Squires
Pam ,and Grover- Family. There are no words that I can express for the loss of you precious son Andrew. I have watched several of his videos,and scanned the many pictures on the everyone’s facebook. He was an extraordinary young handsome man. I was not fortunate enough to have known him Personally. It saddens me to the core of my heart for your loss. Take all the time you need to grieve the loss of AJ. I can not say it gets easier,You just learn to live differently. God has called a true angel to his side. But AJ`s world was not ready for him to go so soon. May His Light shine on you, for eternity. My thoughts, and prayers are with you Pam,and Grover.
I Love you
Mary Ada
Karin
My sweetest love,
I miss you more than I thought I could. Our love was so real and I was happier with you then I would’ve ever thought possible. Thank you for making me feel the love every day. The outpouring of love and respect for you is unbelievable, but I’d expect no less for “the talent”. Andrew, thank you. Thank you for love. Thank you for the laughs. But mostly thank you for loving this mess of a girl, and helping me to become a much more pulled together woman. Love you forever my sweet
Debbie and Pete Ridgely
Sending our love to you and Grover on the tragic loss of your son, AJ.
May God’s love for you help you through this very sad time.
Tom and Laurie Bahnsen
Karin,
Tom and I are saddened by the loss of your Andrew. You and Andrew’s family have our sympathy.
Rachel
Aj. How in the world can I begin this. You were such a light and it was an honor for me to not only know you, but to call you a friend. We had so many meaningful conversations about each of our lives, and you were such an inspiration to me. You always said the craziest things, made me laugh in my worst moods, and even played Santa in one of my photo sessions. The thought that ill never see you again is not one that I want to think of. What I want to think about are the countless times that you tried to teach me how to yoyo, the times you brought in your backpack of “tricks” and how you always wanted to know if anyone smelled popcorn. I’m going to miss you, but I know you’re looking down on everyone you touched. Until we meet again. ❤️
Matt Marie
AJ was one of the first friends I made as a yo-yo player. I had been in the sport 2 years and at my second contest ever he was a judge. Before the contest even started the minute I got there he walked right up to me and we immediately became friends within a few minutes of talking to each other. Since that day he has always been one of my absolute favorite people to talk to not just as a yo-yo player but about anything and everything. He always went out of his way to make everyone smile and that was one of the things that made him such a great guy. I don’t think there’s enough praise on this planet for how amazing a person AJ was. I considered him family and he always will be. Rest in power brother.
Daniel Baltodano
Though our time as friends was short, it felt like I knew you for years. We are all going to miss you incredibly.
Katie Heisler Blitzstein
My thoughts are with you Karin and family. May your amazing memories together carry your heavy heart through this difficult time.
Linnea & Larry Wilson
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. AJ had a way of making everyone smile especially our niece Karin. May you keep him in your hearts always and find peace knowing he’s watching over us all.
Chris Shoup
My heart goes out to your Family. I work with Karin. I never got to meet AJ. I’ve heard alot of wonderful things and have seen videos of him from Karin. My deepest sympothy.
Lori Jenkins
You will be missed. Prayers to your family.
Jen
I knew AJ from duPont Hospital. He always put a smile on everyone’s face. He was such a kind person. He will be missed!
Mandy Brellahan
Your son was a favorite of my daughter for many moons at AI, no matter how sick she would feel he would find a smile in her and she would coo something along the lines as “It’s yoyo dude!” One time, he cut his hair “with out her 4 year old consent” lord have mercy he was in trouble… It was those times that got us through the rough times, and he was there with a smile every time. I didn’t know home personally; however, he certainly put footprints on my families heart. I am so sorry for your loss.
Lucy kennedy
RIP AJ, you were a joy to be around as a child and brought happiness to many. Didn’t have pleasure to be around as you became a young man but always followed you through the love of your mom and grandparents who absolutely adored you.
David Clouser Jr
May God bless each and everyone of you. AJ will truly be missed by everyone.
Janet Smith
What a wonderful young man he was. Blessed to have known him. He showed my son Daniel many yo yo tricks. Praying for his family.
Irene Kerrigan
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May you find strength during this time.
ashley holmes
Aj was always the.one.in.school.u.will.never forget he.always made a lasting impression n.im.greatful to.say i.new him i send.prayers to.his family and may he.rest in.peace.. now.he is.another angle looking down apon us… R.I.P
Diane Nolte
Bring smiles to those in heaven as you did for those here on earth. Give Miranda a hug for me! We will meet again, AJ. Prayers for those you have left behind.
Judy Saggione
Pam, I am so sorry for the loss of your son! My thoughts and prayers to you and your family.
cheryl thompson, sta. 22
omg pam, im so sorry for your loss. i just can’t imag. what your going through. im praying for you. god bless you and your family
Sherry Monahan
Dear Family,
My daughter, Fiona, was diagnosed 8 years ago with cancer. During her 2+ years of treatment, AJ was always there to greet her with a smile and encouraging word – and of course a yo yo. He always remembered her name – despite all the kids he saw. Thank you for sharing such a wonderful young man with us – he helped make our journey a little less scary and always left our days a lot brighter. AJ touched many lives. God bless you all…
Janelle
Thank you AJ for being one of the most awesome guys/escort we ever had at A.I… our son now almost 15 still talks so highly about you and how much he loved when you were his escort. Thank you for touching his life in such an everlasting way… your friends and family are in our prayers… you will be deeply missed!
Luz Conde
We are very saddened. I remember AJ as always very friendly and happy guy. I always see him during yoyo events. We love AJ and will miss him.
From the Conde family in Kansas
Lynda Arai
So sorry for your loss. I work at AI DuPont Hospital and enjoyed watching AJ yo-yoing and entertaining the kids. He seemed to truly love life and bringing joy to others
Vickie Snyder
Pam , I am so sorry for your loss…. AJ certainly had a wonderful talent for his yoyos and entertaining children What a legacy at such a young age to have made so many children smile. Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Donna Queen
Oh Dear God!
My Love and Prayers to his friends and family, but especially to you Karin——-there are no words Honey
Love, Donna
Beth Fachet
AJ was a good soul. He transported my son several times at DuPont and we loved him. His smile was contagious and he entertained the whole time he was around. We are in shock over this and send our deepest condolences to his family and girlfriend. And to all those lives he has touched. Heaven gained another awesome angel. Sending thoughts and prayers to everyone. He will be missed.
Bridget Venetta
I only knew AJ from Dupont. He was such a wonderful person to my daughter who is a frequent flyer at the hospital. All of the kids who he escorted or saw in the hallways were blessed by his warm smile, kind words and yo yo skills.
My thoughts to his friends and family.
CHRISTINA
You entertained a very Sick little boy in 2012…♡ you brought a smile to his then 15 year old brother who was dealing with so much… You will surely be missed my friend and all the little kids who you brought joy and smiles to thier faces you were one in a million… God Bless your family…♡
Maureen Helmick
We met AJ in 2009 at AI hospital. He was such an amazing guy. Our son and him got along great. They talked alot over the years. They talked about scouts and whatever else came to mind. He would always have a smile! He will be missed. Our prayers are with the family, I’m so sorry for your loss. AJ you will be missed.
Roger, Maureen, and Alex
Cesar Conde
Prayers for the family of AJ Kirk.
Victoria Pickhaver Lenoir
My thoughts and prayers to everyone on your tragic loss.
Annette Zuelke
We met AJ at the AI DuPont Hospital when my daughter had back surgery in 2007. We were there for 5 weeks after her surgery, so we got to know and love AJ during our time there. AJ was a bright light and brought joy to all the children and families who met him. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time.
Annette and Laura Zuelke,
Baton Rouge, LA
Bruce Morgan
AJ you will be missed by a lot of people. You touched millions of fans in the YOYO world. I want to thank you for being a tremendous mentor to my grandson, Jarrett Pond. He loved you like a brother. He will always remember you. Thanks again for all the good that you did. RIP
Jane P.
We got to know AJ at AI Hospital through Elizabeth, my daughters’ best friend who fought cancer hard for four years but lost her battle in 2011 at age 17. He was a bright light in her world and ours, and never failed to bring a smile and a laugh to her room. We loved to see him walk in the door! We were so touched that he attended her funeral, and now to think that he is gone is heartbreaking. He made so many kids happy; heaven has surely gained another angel and I’m sure he is entertaining them all with his tricks and his smile. AJ, give Liz a hug from us – we miss all of you so much. <3
Fred Hotchkiss
Pam : My wife and I would like to extend our sympathy and prayers in your loss!
Barbara Sutton
PAM…
SO SORRY FOR THE LOSS OF YOUR SON A.J I only met him one time,but I was impressed that he knew so much about yo’s yo’s I thought it was a dieing art. May he rest in peace.
Your friend Barbara Sutton
Christine
I knew AJ from DuPont hospital. He was such a blessing to the patients, families and staff. He brought smiles and joy to everyone he met. My prayers are with his family and friends.
Rae Johnston Bush
When my son Cory competed in his first FL State Yoyo Contest at age 10, AJ was the first person we met. We were new to the yoyo community and had no idea what to expect, but AJ welcomed us with a warm smile and LOADS of encouragement. He made a lasting impression on us which we never forget. I was brought to tears when I heard the news yesterday…. my sincere condolences to the family. AJ’s spirit will live on forever in our hearts — We were SO blessed to know him.
Ellen Hannon
AJ was a positive force in my son’s life. He was a smiling face who distracted and entertained Jack during his many AI visits, and later, he became my son’s mentor on Team YoyoJam. We will forever remember AJ for his enormous talent and for his kind and gentle spirit. Prayers to you during this most difficult time.
Pattie talarico
We re in shock. Saw AJ on Saturday at Geekfest. He always had a smile and time to say hello. If your lucky, you meet one maybe two people in your lifetime that are truly one in a million. AJ was one in 2 million. Rip. A true original.
Ashley B.
AJ you were truly one in a million. I loved when you would walk on the unit and had your yoyo in hand and we would talk about anything. This world lost a beautiful soul <3
Dustin Samples
I didn’t know AJ personally, but I would pass him in the halls at work and spoke with him briefly a few times. He was very friendly and outgoing and was always smiling. Looked like he really enjoyed his life. Very sorry to hear he passed so young.
Katie
I’m am so sorry for your loss. AJ was very special to us and my children always looked for him when they where in the hospital. He could get my son to smile when no one else could. He always stood out on the patient escort team and always remembered my kids names each time they were admitted. Again, I am so sorry for your loss.
nancy fida
Pam and Family…….Our sadness is great. I pray you are comforted by the many wonderful actions Andrew performed, he will live forever in the hearts of many..
Cheri
The nurses at AI duPont hospital for children will miss AJ. He was such a inspiration to the children. He was truly a loving person. My prayers are with his family and friends. We will always think about the wonderful gifts you did to help our patients. Thank you AJ!
Kay upp
Such a kindhearted guy , always ready to cheer up the kids at AIDI and make his co workers laugh . Truly sorry, you will be missed!
Tim Lawlor
Sorry for your loss. He was a good man.
Sammy Prado
I’m so sorry to hear this terrible news. I met AJ last year. He was kind and very talented. My condolences
Patty Miller
I feel like AJ is standing here at AIDHC twirling a yo-yo with his amazing skill. He never setteled for what he knew as he was onto learning the next complicated maneuver. My heart breaks for all of you; he left a mark on this world and the world of kids. Thank you for sharing him with us!
Stephanie Vickers
my deepest sympathies to AJ’s entire family and his soulmate. he was a wonderful person and will be missed by many!
Nicole Perkins
The Perkins Family extends their deepest sympathies. Our children always looked forward to seeing AJ when we would be at AI for an appt. My oldest would always ask if AJ could be his patient escort after a procedure. Rest in peace AJ.
Barbara Reagen
My thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time. A.J. gave many gifts to the people he met, the smiles he brought to children’s faces, his encouragement he gave to those that wanted to learn his yo-yo tricks, the list goes on….May his love and laughter remain alive in your hearts.
Denise Dillon
I do not read the newspaper everyday, but today I opened it up and glanced through the obituary section hoping to not see anyone I know as I do occasionally. Today was not the case. I am sadden to read of your son, your love, your nephew, and friend’s passing. You do not know me nor my family but I had the pleasure of meeting AJ and he will be truly missed. I knew AJ through AI DuPont Hospital when my son had emergent surgery to have his appendix removed and then became a cardio patient at the age of 9. Most of the cardio patients were cardio since the day they were born., not my son he was an avid karate artist and full of energy, a healthy kid. When my son became sick it was a lot for him to handle, myself to wrap my mind around it, and my youngest demanded attention. I had recently divorced their father, I couldn’t have a “sick kid” too. AJ was there just to listen sometimes to my son with everything that was happening. AJ could most certainly put a smile on my son’s face, my face, my mother’s face, and my then 4 year olds face. We were at the hospital that year for about two months off and on and AJ always seemed to be our escort to wherever we needed to go. I would gladly push my son in the wheelchair as AJ entertained Jagger with his tricks. My son, Jagger, actually showed an interest in yo-yos after meeting AJ. AJ was always a joy to see at our door and it would be a bummer if he happened to be off when we where there. Whether he remembered us or not you just couldn’t tell because he generally enjoyed working with the children and families and it showed. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you for he truly will be missed by the many lives he impacted. God bless you AJ you are a blessing.
Marty & Lori Miller
A J was a friend from AI. AJ had a way of brightening the room and people around him. Our daughter and family enjoyed many AJ moments…he was such a special person! Praying for God’s peace and strength to sustain you through this difficult time….
Brenda and Rob
Grover and Pam,
So sorry for your loss. I pray comfort today and in coming days. Praying memories will make you smile as you remember him. Take Care.
Dominicm Hayman
My condolences to the Kirk family on the passing A.J. I was a scout with him in troop 72. He was a consumate leader and though he was a stickler for rules, his fun loving and joking nature was ever-present. Juggling around a campfire was his go to move.
We lost touch as he was older than I, but from the things I’ve read from those close to him, he was still the good spirited person whom made it his purpose to help others.
Currine
My heartfelt condolences to the Kirk family. I am sorry for your loss. May our Heavenly Father, who is the God of all comfort, give you the strength and comfort that you need (2 Corinthians 1:3). Our Heavenly Father understands your pain because he too has experienced the death of his beloved Son, Jesus Christ. Just as God resurrected his Son, he yearns to resurrect our loved ones as well (Job 14:14,15). I hope these words give you the comfort and peace you need during this difficult time.
Grace
My dear AJ,
You made a huge difference in my life. You were not, are not, just a friend to me, you are more of an older brother. Although, I have only known you for a few short years, I can happily say that you were and forever will be a part of my family. Karin, I love you if you ever need anything be sure to reach out to me and my family. I may be young but I have a huge heart and will always be here for you.
Kathy Barrett
Pam, my heart goes out to you and your family. I am so, so sorry for your loss. You are in my prayers. Your Dad (rest his soul) spoke of Andrew often. I feel like I knew him.
Bess Leigh Booze
Pam, family & friends,
AJ used to be the singer in a band with my son, Raleigh. Band practice was in our basement, so I got to know AJ since he always stopped to talk with me before practice. Our son was also a yo-yoer, so we saw AJ at contests during his early yo-yoing years. We also went to see him as the lead in a play at Howard. He was a true showman in all of his pursuits! My husband & I were honored to attend his Eagle scout induction–quite an accomplishment! Pam, may if comfort you as you think of all of the smiles that AJ brought to many! May God hold you especially close during this difficult time.
Bess Leigh Booze
Romie Lutz
To the family and friends of AJ,
I was in such shock to hear the news of AJ. My sons and I met AJ at YoYo Joe’s toy store and thanks to AJ’s warm nature and encouragement, ,my boys felt comfortable to attend the yoyo club, even as newbies to the sport. AJ was always there to teach them tricks and encourage them, and thus my boys became quite skilled as well. It was always a joy to see him there and always thought was a special man he was to donate his time to help these young kids learn to Yoyo.
It was several years later, my son got an acute infection on his yoyo finger no less, that landed him in AI Dupont. We cross paths with AJ in the hall, he stops looking surprised, and says, “I will be by to visit”. And just as he promised he came by a few times to check on my son. I now volunteer at AI Dupont, and I can say that there isn’t a staff person who didn’t know AJ. We are all so very sad for the loss of this beautiful person. Know that he is in heaven now, yoyoing with the children of God who have left us early, continuing to bring smiles to their little faces. God is truly pleased with his child, AJ.
God Bless you as you mourn his loss. Praying for peace for your family.
The Lutz family, Romie, Erik, Alexander and Michael
The Becker Family-Jay,Carla,Bryce and Blaise
We just found out about the sad news of AJ. Words can’t express how sorry we are to hear about this great loss. My son, Blaise, had the honor of knowing AJ through being a member of AJ’s yoyo club. We all admired AJ’s positive outlook on life and enjoyed watching his juggling acts and yoyo tricks. He will truly be missed and he will always be remembered in our hearts. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
God bless
Someone Special
I hope that your first heavenly birthday was all we have ever imagined it could be and more.
I love you!