Kirby E. Judd

Kirby Edwin Judd, 97, of Stafford, Connecticut, passed away on February 13, 2023, after a bout with pneumonia. Kirby was born on May 19, 1925 to Elizabeth “Bessie” (Kirby) Judd and Edwin Judd in Flushing, New York. Kirby served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He attended Yale University, graduating with a Bachelors’ degree in Naval Science in 1946. After graduation, he finished his Naval service in France, teaching English to children of American military families. Later, he obtained a Masters’ degree in English Education at Harvard University and a Doctorate in English Education at the University of Connecticut. Kirby taught English for at least 40 years in the Longmeadow, Massachusetts public schools, where he was said to climb on top of a desk when needed to get the students’ attention. “Dr. Judd” was the chair of the English Department for the last several years of his teaching career. Kirby met his late wife, Jo, in Long Island, New York. They married in July of 1958 and started a family. When their family outgrew their Long Island apartment, they moved to Somers, Connecticut, where they raised horses and farm animals in their backyard. Kirby, Jo and their family spent many summers at Windham-Tolland 4-H Youth Camp in Pomfret Center, CT, where Jo was the camp director and Kirby ran the boating program. After camp was over for the season, Kirby and Jo took the family on backpacking trips in the mountains of Maine and New Hampshire. In 1977, Kirby and Jo moved their family to a farm in Staffordville, CT, where they kept a large flock of sheep, made hay and maple syrup, and ran a pick-your-own blueberry operation which is still going today. Kirby kept bees at the farm. He served in the Connecticut Sheep Breeders’ Association. Kirby and Jo were Co-Leaders of 4-H Youth Clubs in Somers and Stafford. Kirby was very involved in his church and the Stafford community. He served as a Layperson at St. Edward Church, on the Library Building Committee, and the Conservation Commission. He and his wife Jo were founding members of Down to Earth Farm Community Supported Agriculture (CSA). Most important to Kirby was family. He enjoyed spending time with his wife Jo, their children, and grandchildren. He often said that his marriage to Jo and raising a family were the most wonderful experiences of his life. He is predeceased by both of his parents, his brother, Theodore “Ted” Judd, his Uncle David and Aunt Marie Kirby, his wife, Laura Joan “Jo” (Weckwerth) Judd and his son, Lawrence Charles “Larry” Judd. He leaves behind his son Michael Judd and daughters Mary Judd Pechie and Laura (Judd) Mello, and their spouses, ten grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and numerous nephews. His funeral will be held on Saturday, February 18, 2023, with a procession forming at 9 A.M. at Introvigne Funeral Home, Inc., 51 East Main St., Stafford Springs, CT, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 A.M. at St. Edward Church, 55 High St., Stafford Springs, CT. Burial will take place privately. Calling hours are on Friday, February 17, 2023 from 5-7 P.M. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to Stafford High School Music/Drama program, 145 Orcuttville Rd., Stafford Springs, CT 06076. To leave a condolence online for the family, please visit: www.introvignefuneralhome.com