He remained there until 1917, when he left State Corrections to operate the family farm due to his father's illness.

[2] The Batavia Times reported of Kirby that "many stated they had never heard a man leaving an institution with so many friends among the officials and also the high regard of the inmates of the prison."

Although his condition was initially considered serious, his infection had reportedly cleared up and he was "considerably improved and his complete recovery was expected.

Soon after, with nurses and his physician at his bedside, he raised his right hand, made the sign of the cross, and died.

Kirby was laid to rest at Saint Vincent Cemetery in Attica, New York, on January 19, 1944.