Obituary of Lynford L McKirdy

LYNFORD L. McKIRDY On December 26, 2009, Lynford L. McKirdy entered into eternal rest after a long battle with Alzheimer's. Lynford was born on April 7, 1926 in Bridgeport, CT, the third son of James A. and Hazel H. McKirdy. Lynford was educated in Bridgeport schools. He began working at a young age to help his family with expenses during the Great Depression. During World War II, Lynford joined the Connecticut National Guard at age 17. On his 18th birthday, he enlisted in the army allowing him to serve at the same time as his brothers; James, an artillery instructor and Donald, a tank commander with the tenth Armored Division. After completion of his training, Lynford was sent to Europe and landed in Cherbourg, France. He was assigned to B Troop 88th Calvary Regt. 8th Armored Division during the later part of the Battle of the Bulge in which he participated. Lynford saw considerable combat going from Private to Staff Sgt. By the end of the war, Lynford held as one of his most honored memories Division's liberation of a camp of the Buchenwald concentration complex. This action earned the 8th Armored Division liberator status in helping to free the concentration camp inmates. Lynford earned the Combat Infantry Badge, Silver and Bronze Stars, World War II Victory Medal, Army of Occupation Medal, Good Conduct Medal and the Honorable Service Lapel Button - World War II. After the war, Lynford met his wife, Margaret where she worked for the US Army while they were both stationed in Germany. Lynford spent his working career as a master blade maker for Schick Safety Razor Company of Milford, CT retiring in June, 1988. After his retirement, Lynford enjoyed fishing and spending time with his family at his vacation home in New Hampshire. He later relocated with his wife to Wellington, FL where he served as the Post Commander of the Wellington Chapter of the VFW and was active as an Auxiliary Police Office for the Town of Wellington, reaching the rank of Auxiliary Sgt. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends. Mr. McKirdy is survived by his wife of sixty-two years, Margaret McKirdy of Heritage Village, Southbury, CT. Mr. McKirdy was predeceased by his two brothers: James McKirdy and Donald McKirdy. He was the devoted father of David McKirdy and his wife, Suzanne of Woodbury, CT; Thomas L. McKirdy Sr. and his wife, Darlene of Sandy Hook, CT and daughter, Lynne Dunkleman of West Palm Beach, FL. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Heather Seaferd, Anne Evon, Thomas L. McKirdy Jr., Esq., Sean L. McKirdy, Cynthia M. Megyola, Glenn Seaferd, Patrick Mckirdy, Michelle McKirdy and James McKirdy; nine great-grandchildren and several cousins, nieces and nephews. Lynford's ashes will join his parents in the Riverside Cemetery Norwalk, CT on June 17, 2021.