July 12, 1939 – December 27, 2023
Kirk M. Dunklee, age 84, of Palmyra, VA, and formerly of Wyalusing, PA, passed away on Wednesday morning, December 27, 2023, at the University of Virginia Medical Center in Charlottesville, VA.
Kirk was born in Towanda, PA, on July 12, 1939, a son of the late Elanson D. and Gladys Bahr Dunklee. He graduated from Wyalusing High School, a member of the class of 1957. He furthered his education earning a bachelor’s degree from Mansfield University, and a Masters of Music Education from the University of Michigan.
He married the former JoEllen Fajans on June 30, 1978, in Freeport, Long Island, NY.
He worked as a teacher and administrator in various Long Island school districts. In 1995 he retired from the Longwood Central Schools as an administrator in charge of technology, art, and music.
After retiring and moving to Lake Monticello in Palmyra, VA, Kirk continued working as organist/choir director at churches in the Charlottesville/Fluvanna area. He was also active directing several community choral groups through the years and playing alto saxophone in The Second Wind Band of Charlottesville. Among his proudest achievements was presenting a Memorial Day program each year, and singing at retirement homes in the area with the Fluvanna Choraleers.
Kirk served on several boards and committees throughout the years, including the American Guild of Organists, Ashlawn Opera, the Oratorio Society, and the Charlottesville Symphony.
Kirk is survived by his loving wife of 46 years – JoEllen, his son Edwin, step-daughter Jill Thomas, and 2 grandsons. He was predeceased by his parents, 4 brothers: Donald, Keith, Malcomb and Dale, a sister Gainora Staley, and son Paul.
A private burial will be held in the Wyalusing Cemetery.