New Bedford Guide Your Guide to New Bedford and South Coast, MA
The funeral procession of Pfc. Justin C. Kirby, a New Bedford native who was killed on March 9 in a training exercise at Fort Irwin, California, will occur tomorrow, Saturday, March 21, entering New Bedford at approximately 4:00 p.m.
Pfc. Kirby’s remains will depart Logan Airport in Boston at approximately 3:00 p.m., and the hearse is expected to arrive in New Bedford to make its way to Sacred Heart Cemetery, 559 Mount Pleasant Street, by taking Exit 6 onto Ashley Boulevard from MA Route 140 South at approximately 4:00 p.m.
The general public may pay their respects along the route, including along Mount Pleasant Street near Sacred Heart Cemetery and the intersection of Mount Pleasant Street and Tarkiln Hill Road.
Due to the current public health emergency, practicing social distancing is strongly encouraged. The general public is asked to remain outside the cemetery during Pfc. Kirby’s interment.
The route of the procession in New Bedford is as follows:
• Exit 6 (Ashley Boulevard) from Route 140 South – approximately 4:00 p.m.
• Continue on Ashley Boulevard
• Bear left at Acushnet Avenue
• Turn right into Pa Raffa’s parking lot (Pfc. Kirby enjoyed working at Pa Raffa’s in New Bedford while in high school and college)
• Turn left onto Ashley Boulevard
• Turn right onto Tarkiln Hill Road
• Turn left onto Mount Pleasant Street
• Turn right into Sacred Heart Cemetery, Pfc. Kirby’s final resting place. Sacred Heart Cemetery is located at 559 Mount Pleasant Street in New Bedford.
My prayers go out for PFC Kirby and his family. God bless them.