Kirk Elton Maven was born at 11:29 a.m. on April 29, 1959, in Atlantic City, New Jersey to the late John Elton Maven and Faith Maven. He was his momma's baby boy and the second child in our family's memorable annual Easter line up pictures.
Kirk attended schools in Mays Landing, Shanner Elementary School, J. Harold Duberson Middle School, and Oakcrest Regional High School. Kirk loved playing football and began playing at a young age with the Mays Landing Lakers. Very early in his "football career," he made a memorable play by running the football from the 1-yard line all the way down to the other end zone scoring a touchdown for the other team.
At the age of eight, Kirk was baptized at New Mt. Calvary Baptist Church in Mays Landing by his godfather, the late Rev. Horace Guyton. He joined St. John AME Zion Church in Mizpah at the age of eleven. He was a very active member participating in Sunday School, the youth fellowship, and the youth choir. During the summer, Kirk was a member of the combined youth choir that was organized by St. John's pastor Rev. Larry Crossland and Minister Albert Morgan, pastor of Union Temple Baptist Church, Bridgeton, NJ.
Growing up, Kirk was the "Dennis the Menace" kid. He was the jokester and always had everyone laughing. Quite often, the Maven household was filled with Kirk's friends, and you could always hear someone laughing from a joke or something silly he said or did.
After graduating from high school, Kirk began his career working at Old Spice and as a special police officer in Mays Landing. He later was employed by his father at Elton Iron Works Inc., where he became a competent iron worker and welder.
September 11, 1982, Kirk married Carol Cruz and they were blessed with one child Craig Elton Maven. Craig was the joy in Kirk's life. He loved being a father and cherished watching Craig develop and display his artistic skills. Loosing Craig so suddenly, left an empty void in Kirk.
May 29, 2007, Kirk married Kathleen (Kathy) Elia. The were two peas in a pod. You never saw one without the other. Their love for each other was undeniable. They loved doing things together like sitting in their back yard gazing at his favorite flowers, black eyed Susan's, rose of Sharon and Sunflowers. Rarely would they miss the opportunity to attend a concert of their favorite band, "Don't Call Me Francis."
Kirk LOVED the Philadelphia Eagles. In the winter, you couldn't miss Kirk because he wore his Pride Eagles coat. His favorite recliner was surrounded by Eagle paraphernalia.
Kirk became very active as a community volunteer and advocate. He volunteered for The AVE Downtown Vineland, a volunteer-driven, non-profit organization whose mission is the revitalization of downtown Vineland. In October 2021, Kirk and Kathy were recognized as "Volunteers of the Year" from The AVE organization.
Equally as important, Kirk was an advocate for himself and others. He was a local board member for the mental health and substance recovery program of the New Horizons Community Wellness Center in Vineland. He was a guest of Senator Cory Booker where he spoke to Senators at the United States Capitol in Washington, DC regarding mental illness and substance abuse.
Sunday, July 31, 2022, Kirk transitioned from his life on earth to his life with the Lord. He was preceded in death by his son, Craig Elton Maven, and his father John Elton Maven. He leaves to cherish, his loving wife, Kathy, his stepdaughter, Cherish Marolda, his mother Faith, his brothers, Vincent (Susan), Douglas (Janet), sister Marcella (Stanley), Godmother, Vivian Guyton, Aunts, Cornelia Mays, Alma Newman, Joyce White, Lucille Fuller, Sandra Dixon (Willie) and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends.