Kirby Galberth, Jr. was a man of faith — the essence of authenticity and confidence, kindness and generosity. He marched to the beat of his own drum, blazed his own trail and persevered in the face of adversity. He stayed true to his God-given gifts and always had a word of encouragement for himself and everyone who knew him.

Kirby was born on August 10, 1970, in Washington, D.C., to the late Kirby Galberth, Sr. and the late Dorothy Inez Galberth. He was their first born and the first grandchild on both sides of a loving family, which made Kirby special from the start. His earliest years of life were spent in Raeford, NC, where his grandparents, aunts and uncles wrapped their arms around him and helped Kirby, Sr. and Dorothy get their family life started on strong footing. Kirby watched his grandfather, the late Alwertha Galberth, Sr. cut hair in his basement — a side job and hobby that he loved. At the time, no one knew this example was planting a seed that would later grow into a beautiful blossom.

Kirby attended schools in Prince George's County, MD. He was a guard on the Frederick Douglass High School basketball team in Upper Marlboro, MD, and became known during his high school years as the neighborhood barber. His friends, Reggie, Mackie, Brian, Tallion, Gene and many others, were his first customers. He honed his skills and love for barbering in his parents' basement on Green Street in Clinton, MD. In that same basement, Kirby and his friends became founding members of a go-go band, which famously performed only once in Upper Marlboro, MD, to a sold-out crowd… and Kirby, the lead vocalist, was the life of the show! As a teenager, Kirby loved spending time with his family and friends. From roller skating rinks, clubs and shooting pool, to rooting for the Dallas Cowboys, summer pool parties and hanging out at King's Dominion, the good times with his crew made up of cousins, uncles, neighbors, classmates and many friends were times Kirby cherished.

As Kirby grew up, he took hold of the leadership role he was born into — his younger siblings and cousins (blood and pretend) could count on Kirby to school them on the latest hip-hop and R&B hits, put them on to the hottest fashion trends and always get the fun started. He also led by example when he followed his passion — after a year at Prince George's County Community College, Kirby decided to pursue his barber's license at Bladensburgh Barber School, and his career of being the best barber in the Washington, DC Metropolitan area and South Jersey began.

Kirby relocated to Williamstown, NJ, in 1993 and called Sicklerville, NJ, home for nearly two decades. He became an adopted son of Rev. Lee DeRamus, one of South Jersey's first Black barbershop owners, and was well-known in the community. Over the years, Kirby touched hundreds of thousands of lives through his gift of cutting hair. He was known for his precision, customer service and commitment to excellence with every single stroke of his clippers. Kirby also took great pride in sharing his gift with up and coming barbers. Many who worked with him at the Shop and Travis' Barber shop in Hyattsville, MD or Lee's Barber Shop and Perfection Styles have confessed that it was Kirby who taught them how to cut hair and grow their careers.

Later in life, barbering became Kirby's lifeline — it was the thing he looked forward to doing nearly everyday through life's ups and downs. Barbering was the divine gift that kept him and gave him comfort. He has been called the G.O.A.T. (greatest of all times); in fact, he was considered a legend. His legacy will live through every person who ever sat in his chair to receive the blessing that was a best-in-class haircut from Kirby Galberth, Jr.

Until he was called home in May 2022, he lived a life that reflected his walk with Christ and his deep faith. He rarely left the house without his Bible. And on any given Sunday, he could be found in God's house. He was baptized at Mt. Ennon Baptist Church in Clinton, MD, and most recently attended Sicklerville United Methodist Church in Sicklerville, NJ, where he became known as a member who always showed his heart for God. Kirby believed in giving back to God a portion of whatever he earned and consistently dropped notes with words of encouragement in the offering plate along with his financial contribution.

Kirby was an unforgettable, gentle, loving soul. He was adored by family, friends and the community. He was preceded in death by his mother and father, yet leaves a rich legacy that will live on through his sister, Deisha Barnett of Smyrna, GA (Rashidi); his brother, Kyron Galberth of Sicklerville, NJ; his nephews, Ajani and Taj Barnett of Smyrna, GA; his niece, Aria Galberth of Sicklerville, NJ; 10 aunts and uncles, Faye & Charles McNair, Edith Hall, Lillie Mae Moore, Vicky & Kelvin Galberth, Joy Galberth and Eunice & Rev. Joseph Manning. Kirby's memory will also be cherished by a host of cousins, including a special group who were his first friends – Saundra Armstrong, Pamela Moore, April Moore, Tysa McNair and Katrice Robinson; a supportive group of play aunts, uncles and cousins – including Earnestine "Mamatene" Armstrong, Leatrice Lee, Doris and T.Y. Tyson, Raphael Lee, Melanie Underdue and Wyki Tyson; and countless extended family members, fellow barbers and caring friends.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his visitation on Sunday, May 22nd from 1:00 - 2:00 PM at the St. Paul A.M.E. Church, 8398 Lindbergh Blvd., Philadelphia, PA 19153, where a service will be held at 2:00 PM.   A graveside service will be held at 10:00 AM on Monday, May 23rd at Hillcrest Memorial Park, Hurffville, NJ.

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86268150720?pwd=dFBCU0Y5TFVwNXJtVmQ0elFxenovQT09

*** At the request of the family, please wear a mask when attending services. Thank you. ***