Robert (Bob) Richard Irwin, 77, husband of Marianne (Foley) Irwin, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 28, 2024, after a brief but courageous battle with cancer.
Born in Philadelphia, PA, he was the son of the late John F. Irwin and Elvera Mary (Riley) Irwin. He attended Ascension of our Lord grade school in Kensington and graduated from Northeast Catholic High School in 1965. Upon graduation, Bob proudly served in the US National Guard from 1966 to 1972.
Bob and Marianne grew up only two blocks away from each other but it was not until February of 1964 when they dated in high school and eventually married in May 1968. They bought a home on Sylvester Street in the Frankford section of Philadelphia and raised 4 children. Bob worked at SKF USA Inc. for what would be an amazing 44 years. In 1991, Bob followed his job and relocated his family to Lakewood, NY where he embraced many new friendships for the next 22 years. Bob and Marianne then returned to the greater Philadelphia area to be closer to family.
Sports were an integral part of Bob’s life. He was a coach, mentor, and board member at Moss A.A. in Wissinoming for over 20 years where he spent countless days and weekends shaping the future of many young children and forming lifelong bonds with other dedicated families. When he was not on the field coaching, you would find him avidly following all Philadelphia sports teams, especially the Eagles and the Phillies. Bob’s love and passion for sports continued on to his children and grandchildren; he enjoyed watching and supporting their interests both on and off the field.
While in NY, Bob was a member of the Lakewood Rod and Gun Club. In recent years, he spent his free time going back and forth between North Wildwood, NJ and Towamensing Trails in the Poconos. He was a longtime member of the Wildwood Elks and Knights of Columbus.
Surviving along with his wife, Marianne of 56 years, are his children Colleen Raum (Matthew), Robert R Irwin Jr. (Heather), Sean Irwin (Shannon), and Jennifer Velazquez (Marcelo); 8 grandchildren Kiley, Bridget, Jackson, Daniel, Connor, Caroline, Braylen and Aiden; brothers John F. Irwin Jr. (Diane); Joseph Irwin (Luba); and sisters Kathleen Burke (James); Ave Maria Maloney (Thomas); and many nieces and nephews, too numerous to name but still so loved. He is predeceased by his brother Thomas Irwin and his brother-in-law Arthur Foley.
A viewing will be held on Friday, September 6, 2024, from 11:00AM-12:45PM at St. Teresa of Calcutta Roman Catholic Church (256 Swamp Pike, Schwenksville, PA 19473) with funeral mass to follow at 1:00PM. Internment Private.
In lieu of flowers, Bob’s request would be to offer your support to a local youth sports organization through either charitable donation or volunteer service.