Kevin Michael McGirl passed away at the age of 64, surrounded by his beloved family. His lessons and love will live on through his wife, Sheila, and four children, Kieran, Siobhan, Sean, and Kayla.

Kevin was born in County Monaghan, Ireland. Months after his birth, his mother passed away. He was adopted and raised in Queens, home of the New York Mets. He grew up loved and hopeful.

Later in life, with the help of his wife, Kevin found his birth family. He reunited with his siblings and nieces and nephews, who spent their lives loving him from afar. He was blessed with two amazing families.

Kevin was a graduate of Syracuse University, where he enjoyed playing rugby and rowing. He spent decades working as a mechanical engineer in the glass industry. He took pride in his work. Whenever he saw products that he helped make being sold in stores, he reveled in the chance to show his children. He exemplified hard work.

For decades, Kevin suffered from Multiple Sclerosis. He faced many challenges. And yet, he was a hopeful man. His two favorite movies were 29th Street and Waking Ned Devine, movies about people winning the lottery. Kevin was convinced of the good, that dreams would come true. And his did, in marrying Sheila and in watching their four children grow up.

More than anything, Kevin loved his kids. Kieran, his eldest child, gave him the gift of being a grandfather. Hours after Kevin’s passing, Finnian McGirl was welcomed into the world.

This past April, Kevin proudly walked his daughter Siobhan down the aisle at her wedding. He couldn’t wipe the smile off of his face.

Kevin was always on the sidelines, proudly taking his son Sean to football practices and games. He offered advice and encouragement even though he could never play alongside him. As the years passed and Kevin’s body grew weaker, the roles reversed. Sean became his father’s strength, the strong hands and steady presence of the man who had always been his biggest cheerleader.

Kevin’s youngest daughter, Kayla, was his partner in crime. As Kayla grew up, the MS progressed. But the disease did not break their bond. Unable to drive, Kevin would put Kayla on his lap and ride his electric scooter to the store around the corner to get candy for the two of them. They were thick as thieves and Kayla was one of his biggest advocates, organizing a team in his honor for the MS walk each year.

Kevin taught his family to love fiercely. He wasn’t casual about his interests. He once had the police called to his home for a noise complaint. When officers arrived, Kevin didn’t realize at first. He was locked in, jamming out to a live concert DVD featuring David Bowie and Bon Jovi.

Kevin enjoyed life. He had fun. He was proud of his Irish heritage and taught his family to always stick together. The same hope and love that he navigated life with, he poured into his children and all those he loved. They will carry on his legacy.

Kevin is survived by his wife, Sheila, his children, Kieran (Erin), Siobhan (John), Sean, and Kayla, his grandson Finnian, his sister Rose (Ian), mother-in-law Catherine O’Hagan, brother-in-law Shaun O’Hagan (Jessica), sister-in-law Susan Monahan, along with his many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

Kevin is predeceased by his parents, Eileen and Michael McGirl, and Lena McKenna, his father-in-law Alfred O’Hagan, along with his siblings, Benny, Martin, and Kathy.

Family and friends are invited to attend his visitation Friday, October 23rd from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm followed by a funeral mass at the Church of the Holy Family, 226 Hurffville Road Washington Township.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Kevin’s memory may be made to The National Multiple Sclerosis Society or The Diocese of Camden South Jersey Catholic Ministries Appeal – “Vitality”.

“A Life Well Lived Is Worth Remembering”