Robert James Kirsopp

United States Army Specialist Robert James Kirsopp passed away on May 1, 2024 after a courageous five year battle with stage four colorectal cancer. The cancer was caused by toxic exposure to the burn pits in Somalia.

Kirsopp, born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, experienced a significant loss at the tender age of three when his mother passed away. In the wake of this tragedy, his father moved Kirsopp and his siblings to a farm before eventually settling in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania. During his high school years in Canonsburg, Kirsopp actively participated in the wrestling team and enjoyed hobbies such as go-karting and attending horse shows, showcasing a well-rounded and active personality.

On May 31, 1990 Kirsopp enlisted as a Military Police Officer in the United States Army serving as an Investigator, Protective Service Agent, and Drug Suppression Investigator with tours in Germany, Cuba, and Somalia. He earned four Army Achievement Medals before being honorably discharged, then went on to serve with the Hampton Township Police Department for 26 years. He worked as a Field Training Officer, Detective, Accident Reconstructionist, Firearms Instructor, and was promoted to Sergeant in 2014. He was also a Team Leader on the North Hill Special Response Team and an expert marksman. The Hampton Police Department dedicated their firearms range to him shortly before his passing.

On Thanksgiving Eve in 1993, Kirsopp met his beautiful wife, Rosalyn at a bar in Canonsburg. Although they had attended the same high school, they had never met before. Two years later, after his honorable discharge from the military, fate brought them back together at the same bar where they first met. This time, their connection deepened and blossomed into marriage and a life built on love.

In June 2019, Kirsopp received the devastating diagnosis of stage four colorectal cancer. Over the next five years, he faced multiple rounds of treatment with incredible strength and determination. During that time, his family was embraced by the love and support of friends and community members, who brought meals and helped with tasks around the house. In March 2024, his family received the heartbreaking news that the cancer had spread beyond what treatment could manage and he had only a few months left. In the early morning hours of May 1, 2024, he passed away peacefully surrounded by his family.

Rosalyn is deeply grateful for her three children, Robbie, Ray, and Rachel and the unwavering love and support of her family and community. Her oldest son Robbie proudly follows in his father’s footsteps and serves in the United States Army with the 82nd Airborne Division. In her free time she cherishes moments with friends and family and actively gives back through volunteer work in her community. Her children are her greatest source of pride and joy and watching them grow and succeed fills her with hope. She is especially thankful for the support from Tunnel to Towers which has lifted a tremendous weight off her shoulders and given her peace of mind about the future.

United States Army Specialist Robert James Kirsopp is survived by his loving wife, Rosalyn and his beautiful children, Robbie, Ray, and Rachel.

The Tunnel to Towers Foundation has paid off the mortgage of the Kirsopp family home through the Gold Star Family Home Program.