- Kirk Bussiere, formally of Hampstead NH, passed peacefully in his sleep on May 1, 2025, at Harmony House in Virginia Beach, VA.
Kirk was born in Pittsfield, MA on Nov. 4, 1930 to Ruth and Walcott Bussiere. He lived in many cities and towns throughout New England; settling in North Andover, MA to raise his family, and then retiring in Hampstead, NH.
Kirk joined the army during the Korean War and became a demolition instructor, teaching soldiers to blow up bridges and other targets to stop the advancement of enemy troops.
After the war, he received his Bachelor's degree in engineering, and became a lace designer in the textile industry. He was known for his innovativeness and creativity; even helping to advance the lace industry during his career. He was the creator of two unique piece of lace: the very first lace chapel cap manufactured in the United States, and a nylon stocking with a two-inch-wide strip of lace running down its length.
It was during this time that Kirk decided to take dance lessons where he not only discovered a love of dancing, but also a love for his dance instructor, Elenore 'Tinker' Donohoe. (formerly of Woburn). On their first date, Tinker insisted on bringing her 3 children from her previous marriage. It soon became apparent that they all loved one another and wanted to be a family. Kirk married Tinker on April 5, 1958, and in 1963, he officially became dad after adopting all three children. I have always felt that "he couldn't have been more my father, than if he had waited in the waiting room for me to be born." He was successful in most everything he put his mind to and being a good father was no exception.
The Lace industry became computerized and Kirk transitioned into carpentry becoming a finish carpenter. He became a home builder and known for his design worked for TJ Flatley, designing his apartment buildings.
He caught the eye of the New England Telephone Company, where he became the Project Engineer overseeing the building and redesigning of all buildings throughout New England. He would often point out buildings he had worked on when we traveled.
He retired in 1992 and took up skiing. In his free time, he enjoyed boating, skiing, building things and sewing; even making his own three-piece suits while he was working for the Phone Company. He also served as a Mason at the Lake Cochichewick Lodge in North Andover, MA. for over 50 years.
Kirk was preceded in death by his wife, Eleanor "Tinker," and his eldest daughter, Brenda Lee Shea, formally of Andover MA.
His son, Kevin, and his wife, Stephanie, who reside in Virginia Beach have been his primary care givers for the past 4 years. Giving his all daily so that Dad would be comfortable and without complaint. Constantly helping in this endeavor with "Papa," was grandson, Don Shea and his family.
Kirk was a laid-back man, who was known for his stories of the past which were always told in great detail; never forgetting the names, dates and places where the stories took place.
Kirk leaves behind his son, Kevin Bussiere, and his daughter Jacalyn Vance. There are six grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.
Papa, as he was affectionately called, will be missed by all of us, and remembered through stories told for generations to come. May God bless your soul and keep you near Him for eternity.
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1930 - 2025 (95 ans)
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