Rev. Dr. Paul F. Kirk

The Reverend Dr. Paul F. Kirk, D.D.S., age 77, of Warwick died peacefully at his home on Friday, January 16, 2026. He was the beloved husband of Maryann (Turner) Kirk. Born in Washington, D.C. he was the eldest son of the late James and Agnes (Lyon) Kirk.

Dr. Kirk was a graduate of Georgetown dental school (Washington D.C.) and St. Vincent College (Latrobe, Pa.)  He attended Cathedral Latin High School, also in Washington, D.C.

After moving to Rhode Island in 1979, Dr. Kirk began his dental career with the East Greenwich Dental Associates working with Dr. Bert Underhill and Dr. Hank Morgan. Dr. Kirk later bought the practice and worked with two associates -- Dr. Dumas and Dr. Harris.

Dr. Kirk was widely respected for his skill, professionalism, and genuine concern for patients. He made several trips to Haiti and provided free dental care to the people of Haiti, sometimes accompanied by his dental assistant Cheryl Lynch-Davio or his dental colleague Mark Johnson, D.D.S. After 40 years of service, he retired from dentistry leaving behind a legacy of excellence.

In response to a deep spiritual calling, Dr. Kirk engaged in further theological study and was ordained a deacon in the Catholic Church in 2002. He served faithfully at St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church in Warwick, where he was known for his devotion, pastoral care and quiet leadership. His ministry reflected a deep and abiding faith expressed through service to the community and compassionate outreach to those in need.

Whether in the dental office or on the altar, Paul approached his work as a vocation rooted in service. He will be remembered for his wisdom, kindness, and steady presence, as well as for the many lives he touched through healing hands and a generous heart. He was also known for his great sense of humor and athleticism having been selected as an All-Prep basketball player during his high school years in Washington, D.C.

Dr. Kirk is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Maryann; his two brothers James Kirk and Carl Kirk of Greenbelt, Md.; and many nieces, nephews, grand nieces and grand nephews. He was predeceased by his sister, Mary Gobbett.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, January 24 from 8:45 to 9:45 a.m. at St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church, immediately followed by a concelebrated Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery, West Greenwich, RI.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Deacon Kirk's memory to St. Gregory the Great Church, 360 Cowesett Road, Warwick, RI. These gifts will help support the ongoing ministries that Deacon Kirk loved and served so faithfully.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Urquhart-Murphy Funeral Home, 800 Greenwich Ave., Warwick, RI.

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