Obituaries

Kirk D. ShreveShreve, Kirk D., of 512 Cayuga Heights Road, Ithaca, NY died at 9:09am on Saturday, September 2, 2006 at Cayuga Medical Center at Ithaca.

Mr. Shreve was born August 30, 1957 in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, the third and youngest son of James R. and Dorian (nee Lloyd) Shreve. Mr. Shreve’s career in the funeral industry began at age 13 when he secured a position with the Farone and Son Funeral Home in Syracuse. He maintained that position throughout High School, graduating from Fayetteville-Manlius High School in 1975. During the summer months he remained employed at Farone’s until his graduation from SUNY Canton, NY. In 1977 he moved to Forest Hills, Queens, NY to obtain a residency with Fox Funeral Home. In 1978 he became a Licensed Funeral Director and secured a position with Conway Funeral Home in Jackson Heights, Queens, NY. In 1980 he moved to Ithaca and had been employed part time at a local funeral home and was employed in the travel industry. In 1991, he realized a dream he had as a child and opened and established his own funeral home in Lansing, NY; now Lansing Funeral Home, Inc.

His career path was determined as a young child, and he never considered it a job, but more a labor of love. His level of compassion and dedication to the families he served was of paramount importance to him. He heightened the level of awareness of his colleagues and was a motivating force for bringing innovations and creative ideas to the local funeral industry. He impacted many lives with a touch of God’s spirit and grace. The families served by Mr. Shreve can attest to his devotion and respect for his work.

Kirk Shreve’s strong commitment to the Lansing community was evident by the generous gifts of his time and resources to make the community stronger. Kirk was a proud and active member of the Lansing United Methodist Church, a member and former president of The Lansing Lions Club, a member of the Ithaca-Cayuga Rotary Club of which he was a Paul Harris Fellow, a member of the Ithaca Country Club, and he served on the board of directors of Hospicare and Palliative Care Services of Tompkins County. Additionally, Kirk was a supporter of the STAP-Aids Work Ride For Life, the Lansing Funeral Home was also a member of The Lofty Oaks Association, an organization dedicated to renewing the nation’s forests, whereby Kirk would arrange for a tree to be planted in memory of each person served by his funeral home.

Mr. Shreve is survived by his companion and partner of 26 years, Dr. Alexander Wood of Ithaca, NY; his devoted parents, James and Dorian Shreve of Ithaca, NY; two brothers, James (Vikki) Shreve of Center Valley, PA, Michael (Janie) Shreve of Bethlehem, PA; his nieces and nephews, Justin, Kate, Suzy, Vanessa, Natalie and Mike, several aunts, uncles and cousins and by his beloved pugs, Waldo and Abner.

In accordance with Mr. Shreve’s wishes, the family will receive friends on Tuesday, September 5, 2006 from 2:00 to 4:00pm and 7:00 to 9:00pm at the Lansing Funeral Home, 32 Auburn Road, Lansing, NY. A private funeral service and interment will be held on Wednesday.

In lieu of flowers, kindly remember Kirk Shreve by making memorials in his name to the Lansing United Methodist Church, 32 Brickyard Road, Lansing, NY 14882, Hospicare and Palliative Services of Tompkins County, 172 East King Road, Ithaca, NY 14850 or the S.P.C.A., 1640 Hanshaw Road, Ithaca, NY 14850.