Seamus Daniel Kirby, a beloved resident of Newport, RI, left an indelible mark on his community before his untimely passing on April 14, 2024, at the age of 29. Born on October 14, 1994, in the picturesque coastal town of Newport, Seamus lived a life filled with adventure, achievement, and a deep love for his family and the ocean.
This article explores the remarkable journey of a young man who touched countless lives and left behind a legacy of warmth, inclusivity, and zest for life.
Early Life and Family Background
Seamus was born to Jerome R. Kirby III and Kathryn Kimberly Kirby, entering the world with an energy that would define his entire life. His parents often described his arrival as being “like a shot from a cannon,” a metaphor that perfectly captured Seamus’s vibrant and dynamic personality.
Growing up in Newport, Seamus was surrounded by the beauty of the ocean and the rich history of the area. This environment would later influence his career choices and passions. He was part of a close-knit family, which included his older brother Rome Kirby IV, and his sister Hannah Elizabeth Kirby, who sadly predeceased him.
The Kirby family was well-known in the Newport area, with deep roots in the community. Seamus’s grandfather, Jerome R. Kirby Jr., was a respected figure, and the family’s construction business was a staple in the region. From a young age, Seamus was immersed in a world that valued hard work, community involvement, and a love for the local area.
Education and Athletic Achievements
Seamus’s educational journey took him through several local schools, each contributing to his growth and development. He attended Underwood School, Cluny School, and Pennfield School before graduating from Rocky Hill Country Day School in 2013. It was at Rocky Hill where Seamus truly began to shine, both academically and athletically.
His athletic prowess was nothing short of impressive. Seamus excelled in both hockey and lacrosse, earning numerous accolades along the way. He was a standout player in Newport Youth Travel Hockey and later became the captain of the Rocky Hill Boys Varsity Lacrosse team. His leadership on the field was recognized when he became the first recipient of the Charley Blanchard Relentless Spirit Award.
But Seamus’s athletic achievements didn’t stop there. In 2012, he was named to the Boys Varsity Lacrosse SENEISAA first-team All-League. Perhaps most impressively, he set records for the most goals, assists, and face-offs won in both a single season and throughout his entire 4-year Varsity career. These accomplishments speak volumes about Seamus’s dedication, skill, and natural athletic ability.
Motocross Career
While many knew Seamus for his prowess on the lacrosse field and hockey rink, he had another passion that took him to great heights – quite literally. At the tender age of ten, Seamus discovered motocross racing, and it quickly became a significant part of his life.
His talent on two wheels was evident from the start. By the time he was twelve years old, Seamus had already clinched the NESC Motocross Championship in the 85cc class. This early success was just the beginning of a decade-long journey in the sport that would see him accumulate a room full of trophies.
Imagine a young Seamus, barely tall enough to reach the handlebars, fearlessly tackling dirt tracks and soaring over jumps. His dedication to motocross showcased not only his athletic versatility but also his fearless approach to life. Whether on a lacrosse field or a motocross track, Seamus was always pushing boundaries and seeking new challenges.
College Years and Academic Pursuits
After his high school graduation, Seamus’s thirst for knowledge and new experiences led him to the College of Charleston in South Carolina. Here, he pursued a Bachelor of Arts in Historic Preservation and Community Planning, graduating in 2017. This choice of study was no coincidence – it beautifully merged his love for his hometown’s rich history with his family’s background in construction.
During his college years, Seamus didn’t just focus on academics. He immersed himself in the vibrant culture of Charleston, a city known for its historical significance and architectural beauty. This experience undoubtedly broadened his perspectives and deepened his appreciation for community planning and preservation.
Can you imagine Seamus walking the historic streets of Charleston, his mind buzzing with ideas about how to blend the old with the new? His time in college wasn’t just about earning a degree; it was about shaping a vision for his future contributions to his beloved Newport.
Professional Life
Upon graduating from college in 2017, Seamus returned to the island he loved – Newport, RI. He joined Kirby Construction, the family business, as a project manager. But this wasn’t Seamus’s first rodeo with the company. He had been working there since he was twelve years old, learning the ropes from the ground up.
Working alongside his father, Jerry, Seamus brought fresh ideas and youthful energy to the company. His education in historic preservation and community planning proved invaluable in a town like Newport, known for its historic architecture and careful development.
Seamus’s role at Kirby Construction wasn’t just a job; it was a calling. He approached each project with the same enthusiasm and dedication he had shown on the sports field and the motocross track. Whether it was restoring a centuries-old building or planning a new development, Seamus brought his unique blend of respect for history and vision for the future.
Personal Life and Relationships
Amidst his professional success, Seamus found love and started a family of his own. He married Tatum James Wadensten, and together they welcomed two children into the world: Hendrix Seamus Kirby and Halsten Vaughn Kirby. Seamus’s devotion to his family was evident to all who knew him.
The family was at the core of Seamus’s life. He cherished his role as a husband and father, bringing the same energy and passion to his home life that he did to everything else. Can you picture Seamus teaching his children to ride a bike, or taking them for their first dip in the ocean he loved so much?
His family extended beyond his immediate household. Seamus maintained close relationships with his brother Rome and his wife Galen and doted on his niece and nephew, Rome V and Bailey. He was also close to his maternal grandfather, Phil Vancil, and had a warm relationship with his brothers-in-law Lars, Sven, and Magnus Wadensten.
Character and Personality
One of Seamus’s most remarkable traits was his inclusive nature. He had a gift for making everyone feel welcome and valued. As his family put it, “He had a wonderful ability to bring everyone into his embrace, his tent was big, and he wanted everyone under it.” This warmth extended not just to friends and family, but to strangers and even stray animals.
Seamus’s passion for life was infectious. He approached every day with enthusiasm and a sense of adventure. Whether he was at work, playing sports, or spending time with his family, Seamus gave it his all. His energy was described as boundless, and he had a knack for lighting up any room he entered.
His connections with friends and the community ran deep. Seamus was the kind of person who remembered birthdays, showed up when someone needed help, and always had time for a chat or a laugh. He built a network of relationships that spanned from his childhood friends to new acquaintances, all of whom were touched by his genuine warmth and friendship.
Hobbies and Interests
While Seamus had many interests, his love for the ocean stood out above all else. He was described as a true waterman, at home in the waves and tides of the Atlantic. The sea was more than just a playground for Seamus; it was a source of inspiration, relaxation, and adventure.
His waterman lifestyle encompassed various activities. Whether he was surfing, fishing, or simply enjoying a day at the beach with his family, Seamus was in his element near the water. He had a deep respect for the ocean and understood its power and beauty in a way that only those who grow up by the sea can.
Beyond the ocean, Seamus maintained his interest in motocross and continued to enjoy outdoor activities. He was always up for a new adventure, whether it was trying a new sport or exploring a new part of Newport. His curiosity and zest for life meant that he was always learning, always experiencing, and always growing.
Tragic Loss and Response

The news of Seamus’s passing on April 14, 2024, sent shockwaves through the Newport community. While the exact circumstances of his death remain unclear, the loss was felt deeply by all who knew him. Rumors suggested a possible spearfishing accident, but these speculations were not confirmed.
The impact of Seamus’s death on his family and friends was profound. He was not just a son, husband, father, and friend; he was a bright light in the lives of many. The sudden loss of someone so young and full of life left many struggling to come to terms with the tragedy.
The community’s response to Seamus’s passing was a testament to the impact he had made in his 29 years. Social media was flooded with tributes, memories, and messages of condolence. Local businesses and organizations that Seamus had worked with or supported shared their grief and memories. The outpouring of love and support for the Kirby family demonstrated just how deeply Seamus had touched the lives of those around him.
Remembering Seamus Daniel Kirby
In the wake of his passing, friends and family shared countless stories that captured the essence of who Seamus was. They remembered his infectious laugh, his willingness to help others, and his ability to find joy in the simplest things. One friend recalled how Seamus once organized an impromptu beach cleanup, turning it into a fun community event that brought people together.
Another memory shared was of Seamus’s dedication to preserving Newport’s history. A colleague from Kirby Construction spoke of Seamus’s excitement when working on the restoration of a centuries-old building, and how he would often give impromptu history lessons to anyone who would listen.
His family remembered quieter moments – Seamus teaching his children to build sandcastles, his patience when explaining complex construction concepts to his younger cousins, or the way he would light up when talking about his latest project at work.
These memories paint a picture of a man who lived life to the fullest, who valued connections with others, and who left a lasting impression on everyone he met. Seamus’s life, though tragically short, was rich with experiences, achievements, and most importantly, love.
Memorial Service and Final Farewell
To honor Seamus’s life and allow the community to pay their respects, a Mass of Christian burial was held on Saturday, April 27, 2024, at St. Mary’s Church in Newport. The church, located at the corner of Spring Street and Memorial Boulevard, was filled with family, friends, and community members whose lives had been touched by Seamus.
The family requested that the burial be private, allowing them a moment of quiet reflection away from the public eye. This decision was respected by the community, understanding the family’s need for privacy in their time of grief.
Instead of flowers, the family suggested donations to two organizations close to Seamus’s heart: the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center (www.mlkccenter.org) and the Star Kids Scholarship Program (www.starkidsprogram.org). These choices reflected Seamus’s commitment to community service and education, ensuring that his spirit of giving back would continue even after his passing.
As we remember Seamus Daniel Kirby of Newport, RI, we are reminded of a life lived with passion, kindness, and an unwavering zest for adventure. His legacy lives on through the memories he created, the lives he touched, and the example he set of how to live life to its fullest. Though he may no longer be with us, the impact of Seamus’s bright spirit will continue to ripple through the Newport community and beyond for years to come.