Andrew J. (AJ) Kirk

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.