Obituary of Joseph Thomas Kirincich

Colonel Joseph T. Kirincich (USMC), age 74, passed away at his home May 14, 2024. He leaves behind three children Amy Kirincich, Jason Kirincich (Beth), and Ashley Kirincich-Smith (Jer). In addition to his children, he leaves behind seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild: Jake Kirincich (Ella), McCartney Smith, Alex Kirincich, Eli Brown, Sullivan Smith, Mary-Carlisle Smith, Sawyer Smith and Alaina Kirincich. He was pre-deceased by his wife of 47 years, Deborah Lynn Kirincich. He also leaves behind his siblings Betty, Jane, Mary, Billy, Ann, and Teresa and in-laws Pam and Charles Holland and Cindy and Steve Kirkland. He is survived by his uncle Frank McLoughlin (Karen) and his best friend of 50 years, Frank “Dirtman” Durtche.

He was born in the Bronx, NY to Joseph A. Kirincich and Jane T. McLoughlin.  Throughout his life, he took on many roles. He graduated from John F. Kennedy College in Nebraska and obtained his master’s degree from CW Post in Long Island. He joined the Marines in 1973, was promoted to Colonel in 1996, and retired in 2003. He was a special agent for NIS (now NCIS). He was also a federal agent with the Department of Justice, was a firearms instructor at the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia, worked with NATO, and served as an International Projects Coordinator for the United Nations in Afghanistan.

He enjoyed staying physically fit, lifting weights, and running. He obtained a black belt in karate, ran marathons (before he got hit by a car while jogging), and ran Ashley’s cross-country meets with her even if he was wearing his penny loafers.

In 2006 he was promoted to the role of “Papa.” He took this role on with enthusiasm, and he loved to support his grandkids in all of their endeavors. He made sure they were all well fed during their many sleepovers at Nana’s and Papa’s house. He built treehouses, playsets, and chicken coops to keep them entertained. As they grew older, he was often found at the baseball field, soccer field, cheerleading competitions, barrel races, and wrestling matches supporting his grandkids in all that they did.

Our dad was boisterous and giving. He loved his family.  We will miss his feasts at Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Day, and St. Patrick’s Day, his homecooked meals, and his chocolate chip cookies. We will miss his playful side mixed in with the serious side, his laugh, and a host of other attributes. He was a voracious reader of books and news. His friends called him a walking encyclopedia, and he was a master of all categories on Jeopardy.  We know he is with our mom now, and that’s where he wanted to be.

Visitation will be from 1-2pm on Wednesday, May 22nd with services at 2pm at Powers Funeral Home. Following the services, the burial will be at Concord Baptist Church. The Rev. Father John Zimmerman will officiate.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude’s Children’s hospital.

Fair winds and following seas. Semper Fi.