Dennis Ray Shirk Sr., 82, of Essex, Md. and formerly of Seneca Rocks, W.Va., passed away Saturday, March 22, 2025, at Medstar Good Samaritan Hospital in Baltimore, Md.

Born May 23, 1942, in Seneca Rocks, he was a son of the late Homer P. Shirk and Mae (Vance) Shirk. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one brother, Loy Dale Shirk; and one sister Betty Jean Cunningham.

Mr. Shirk is survived by his wife of 61 years, Dixie Lee (George) Shirk; four children, Dana Jackson and husband Evans of Saint Pauls, N.C., Tonya Ours and husband Melvin of Rough Run, W.Va., Dennis Shirk Jr. and wife Katie of Canandaigua, N.Y. and Derek Shirk of Abingdon, Md.; four grandchildren, Megan Willis of Saint Pauls, N.C., Jordan Ketterman of Rough Run, Dennis Shirk III of Canandaigua and Ryan Shirk of Canandaigua; three sisters, Mary Shirk of Baltimore, Helen Nelson of Belair, Md. and Marie Rosario of Quakertown, Pa.; one brother, John Shirk of Sparrows Point, Md.; and many, many nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly.

Mr. Shirk loved his family. He was a private person, honest and hard-working. He never met a stranger. He loved watching sports, playing cards with his brother and sisters. He enjoyed gardening and tinkering in the yard fixing things. He will be deeply missed, but we know he is at rest with our Lord in heaven, with those he loves.

Graveside services were Saturday afternoon, March 29, at North Fork Memorial Cemetery, Riverton, W.Va. with Pastor Jim Tompkins officiating.    

Arrangements were by the Schaeffer Funeral Home, Petersburg. Condolences to the family may be left at www.schaefferfuneralhome.com          

(4-8-25)