Sean Patrick Kirkland

1967-2026

SALEM — Sean Patrick Kirkland of Salem, Ohio, died on March 16, 2026. After a year-long battle with cancer, he passed peacefully, surrounded by family.

Sean was born on October 20, 1967, to Karl Wayne and Janet Carol Kirkland. Sean’s parents were born and raised in Pittsburgh, and moved to Salem in 1965. He was one of 4 children. Although he was not the oldest, he was the only boy in the family and took on a natural role as a leader and caretaker for his sisters and parents. He was a sweet boy who was everyone’s friend. Growing up on West Wilson St., Sean often reflected that while his family had modest means, their home was always rich in love. In his final days, he shared, “I never worried about love–so many people are missing that in their lives. No matter what, we always had love, and that was what mattered most.”

Some of Sean’s fondest childhood memories included staying with his grandparents in Pittsburgh and playing jacks for hours. Sean enjoyed his summers with his cousin Johnny, fishing and swimming. Here in town, he played in the streets until late, spending time with his siblings and other kids on the block–especially in the woods and at the stone quarry.

Sean bled red and black from the very beginning. During high school, he was a talented athlete who played baseball and football. As senior quarterback, a high point of his career was the 1985 showstopping West Branch defeat. He set many school records, including most passing yards in a game at 300 yards and longest pass play of 89 yards. His senior personality was voted ‘Most Understanding,’ a trait that rang true and followed him throughout his life.

After graduating in 1986, he began his college career at Edinboro University as football quarterback, but a torn rotator cuff brought an unfortunate end to his athletic career–a turning point that became fuel for a lifelong passion for coaching and developing young athletes. After this, he transferred to Kent State and began his path to becoming an educator. During and after college, he was a jack of all trades, working at the Hunt Club, Ray’s Drive Thru, Eljers, Sherwin Williams, and 84 Lumber.

After graduating from Kent with a Bachelor of Science in Education 1991, he began his career as a substitute teacher, and quickly became shop teacher at Leetonia Exempted Village School. After one year he came home. Sean’s Salem legacy began in 1994, as Industrial Tech Teacher. He later went on to attain his Master’s in Educational Administration from Youngstown State University in 2002. He became Junior High Principal in 2006, and High School Principal in 2014.

Sean was the epitome of a great leader. He didn’t always seek leadership roles, but they seemed to find him. That is what he was meant for. For 33 years he served as an educator and administrator for the district, but for a lifetime he was a devoted servant to our community. If you ever attended a famous Rotary breakfast, your pancakes were probably flipped by Sean. He became superintendent of Salem City Schools in 2019, and from that moment on he made it his mission to fulfill the foundation laid by Joe Shivers to build the new K-8 building. Sean was planning for a future and legacy for each and every student to step into the halls of our district, even if he himself wouldn’t get to witness it.

Sean married the love of his life, Cynthia Marie (Hutton) Kirkland, on April 23, 1994. The love Sean and Cindy shared was one of the most beautiful things to witness. It is a love so unfailing and pure that no object in heaven or earth could possibly shatter it. Sean and Cindy were your typical high school sweethearts. After patiently waiting to propose until he knew he could care for her throughout life, Sean won $500 at the Italian Club. He immediately left, telling his dad he was running as fast as he could to Troll’s to buy her engagement ring. Life for Cindy and Sean was not perfect, or always easy, but they always had each other. When Sean was asked about his life, he said marrying Cindy was the best decision he ever made.

As a father Sean was the best of them. He spent every second of his life being the most present, compassionate, and devoted father he could be. He taught his son Owen the value of a life not just well lived, but as perfectly lived as humanly possible. Sean also fulfilled a fatherly role for anyone who needed him. He was a man of the utmost loyalty, integrity, and good moral character. As an uncle, teacher, coach, and friend to so many he was an impeccable mentor and role model for all.

On an average weekend, you’d never see Sean sit still. You’d see him working extra hours at his job, trying to provide each and every student with the absolute best chance at life possible. In his free time he attended as many sporting and school events as he could. He loved golf, riding his lawn mower, and spending time with friends and family. Sean was a diehard Steelers fan and refused to miss a game.

One of Sean’s most famous quotes is, “We’re in the business of making memories.” While this statement was most often said in relation to education, this was his reflection on life: to make as many memories as possible from the moments we are given. Sean’s advice to everyone was this, “Make time for the little things, it’s the only thing that matters.” Sean loved this town and community with all his heart. As he frequently reminded everyone, “Once a Quaker, Always a Quaker.”

Sean is survived by his wife and best friend of 41 years, Cynthia Marie Kirkland; son Owen Kirkland and his fiancee, Delaney Willoughby, of Salem, OH; mother Janet Kirkland; siblings Tracy Gottschling and husband Scott, Kelly Kirkland and Kris Bezilla, Robin Stecker and husband Todd, all of Salem; in-laws, Laura Holden and husband Patrick, Marybeth Mango and husband, Rocco, and Colleen Tullis and husband, Derek, John Hutton and wife, Chris; many adored nieces and nephews; and many relatives and friends.

A service will be held on Saturday, March 21, 2026 at 2 p.m. in the Salem High School Auditorium, followed by greeting and light refreshments in the Cafeteria. Sean loved to see a sea of red and black. The family kindly requests wearing red or black in honor of Mr. Kirkland.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Sean’s memory to the Salem High School Alumni Association, 330 East State Street, Salem, OH 44460.

Arrangements are being handled by Stark Memorial Funeral Home and Cremation Services. To view Sean’s obituary or send condolences visit www.starkmemorial.com.

3/19/26