Kirby Lane Shyer passed away after a long illness on Friday, November 1, 2024 at Mt Sinai Hospital. He was born on October 11, 1957 in NYC, raised in Larchmont, NY and was a longtime resident of Ridgefield, CT. Kirby was a technology early-adopter, a talented amateur film-maker, an enthusiastic champion of his favored music, especially Lou Reed, and a lifelong (but disappointed) Mets fan. Kirby loved Boston Terriers, particularly his own: Indie.
Kirby will be missed dearly by everyone who knew him.
Kirby was good-natured, smart, creative and also the nicest guy you ever met. Throughout his life, Kirby loved every place he lived and retained close friendships from Westminster School in Simsbury, CT, from St. Lawrence University, where he was a pillar of the Phi Kappa Sigma fraternity, and stayed connected to childhood friends from St Regis and Swiss Challenge camps.
In 1991, Kirby launched the startup Zip City Brewing Company, popularizing the brewpub craze across the US and leading the neighborhood revivals of Flatiron & Union Square in NYC. Zip City was notable for its brewing equipment – imported from Austria – integrated into the design of the bar. Zip City brewed rich lagers, expanding the NY beer palate, and paved the way for 10 other local brewpubs. His greatest Zip City success, however, was meeting his loving life partner and wife of 30 years, Jennifer.
Kirby was responsible for masterminding the introduction of the Belgian beer Stella Artois to the American market, an effort that was so successful, he was knighted by the Belgian Brewers Guild. Being so well-known in the brewing community, he was also a brand ambassador for Manhattan Beer Distributors.
Kirby was the devoted father of Griffin and Grace Shyer, dedicated husband to Jennifer Brown Shyer, and doting uncle to his nieces and nephews. He is also survived by mother Marlene Fanta Shyer, sister Alison Shyer, brother, Christopher Shyer and his partner David Ehrich, and father-in-law Robert Brown.
A celebration of his life is planned for December. Donations may be made to the APS Foundation (APFSA.org) or a charity of your choice.
(This obituary was submitted by Christopher Shyer)
