Dr. Philip G. Irwin

Dr. Philip G Irwin, of Ruffsdale, PA, passed away peacefully in his daughters’ home in Royersford, PA on Friday, February 21, 2025 from Congestive Heart Failure at the age of 90.

Before “Dr. Phil” became famous, there was our dad, the “ORIGINAL Dr. Phil”. Born on November 20, 1934 in Duquesne, Pa, he was a man who we were proud to call our father, and his grandchildren affectionately called him PapPap. Philip was a man of strong principles, integrity and moral character. A devout Catholic, he lived out his Catholic faith, which guided his decisions throughout his entire life and gave him the fortitude to bear life’s hardships with grace and dignity.

He graduated from McKeesport High School, earned his BS in Chemistry from Duquesne University, his Master’s degree in Chemistry from Purdue, and his PhD in Chemistry from Pennsylvania State University. While in graduate school at PSU, he met the love of his life, Hildred Ann Wise. Upon graduating from PSU, they were married on June 17, 1961 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in McKeesport, PA. They went on to have six children.

Philip worked for some of the country’s top Chemical companies. He was a brilliant chemist who invented innovative products and held multiple patents which improved the everyday lives of people. He became aware that one of the companies he worked for had ties with questionable financial backing and voiced his objection to continue working for the company. He eventually faced retaliation before securing new employment, which made future employment opportunities difficult for decades. Philip’s promising career was cut short due to living out his principles and convictions.

He turned his focus to farming and his family and became Mr. Mom, much like the movie and with some of theatrics while raising his son and 5 daughters (however, no coupon poker games!). He was totally devoted to his wife of 63 years and his children. He was the greatest of fathers and a loving husband, and made the best beef soup, stuffed cabbage and tuna casseroles and many traditional Slovak cuisines.

He was known for entertaining his family and friends with his travel stories from the Far East involving talk of hydrocarbon resins (most of which went over our heads!), had a keen sense of humor, and loved to tell jokes and make people laugh. He was an amazing man, the details of what made him that way cannot possibly be captured here.

He is preceded in death by his loving parents, Andrew and Anna (Dobransky) Irwin, his brother Donald Irwin, his sister, Joan Malarkey, his nieces Katie Wise, Jean Wise, Lori Malarkey, Cindy Irwin, and Diana Irwin, and his nephew William Malarkey.

He is survived by his wife Hildred Ann Irwin, and his 6 children Janet (Tim) Henderson, Nancy (John) Petro, Patti (Dr. Anthony) Putorti, Stephen (Beth) Irwin, Judith Irwin, and Linda Irwin, his grandchildren Nicholas and Sarah Putorti, as well as many nieces and nephews. To his niece Sandy Dowling and his nephews Mark and John Irwin – you were a light in his life and he loved you.

His son Stephen and daughters Judy and Linda were not only his children, but his loving, patient and compassionate caretakers to his last breath.

He will be forever missed and loved and we are extremely grateful and thankful for the many sacrifices he made for his family. We were blessed that we had him in our lives and will do our very best to honor his life as we go forward without him.

A funeral mass will be held on Friday, February 28, 2025 at 11:00AM at St. Thomas More Church (2101 Pottstown Pike, Pottstown, PA 19465). Burial will be held privately by the family at a later date. A Viewing will be held on Thursday, February 27, 2025, from 6:00pm-8:00pm at Catagnus Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Ltd. (329 N. Lewis Rd., Royersford, PA 19468). Viewing will also be held on Friday, February 28, 2025, from 10:00am-10:45am at St. Thomas More, preceding the mass.

In lieu of sending flowers, the family kindly requests a donation in his name to the Mercy Ship https://www.mercyships.org/ or the Pennsylvania Association of the Blind https://www.pablind.org

Add My Condolences

Very sorry for your loss. You are in our prayers.

~ The Detterline Family Downingtown, PA
2/28/2025 12:36:22 PM

Your father’s love and impact will continue to shine through you. I hope you find solace in knowing that he will always be with you in spirit. My deepest condolences

~ Liezel Collins Cape Town, South Africa / Cape Town
2/27/2025 9:04:55 AM

My sincerest condolences to Judy and the entire Irwin family. Please know that you are in my prayers. May God bless you and hold you close to His Heart.

~ Francesca Filler Harleysville, Pa
2/26/2025 5:41:18 PM

Sending our deepest condolences to all of you. Uncle Phil left us with many happy, funny memories of years past during his visits to Dalton, Ga. May he rest in peace. Sending prayers and love to all of you. Much love, Caroljean and Meghan Irwin, Heather Henson

~ Caroljean Irwin
2/26/2025 2:38:06 PM

Dear Irwin Family, we send our most sincere condoloences and prayers for all of you.
Deacon Dave Kubczak was so honored to have brought the Eucharist to Dr. Irwin. Philip will live on in your words and memories. May you be comforted by the many loving memories of times shared. May God heal your wounded hearts.

~ Shawn Marie Brown, St. Teresa of Calcutta Parish Schwenksville, PA
2/26/2025 9:53:36 AM

My condolences goes out to the family and for you Linda I am happy the day we meet on that trip so many years a go here I can see where the love comes from I really appreciate your friendship and pray God's blessings on you and your family nuff nuff love in this time of bereavement love Jennifer

~ Jennifer Bolt
2/25/2025 11:00:08 AM

A living tribute to a beautiful soul, Uncle Phil. Thinking of you all and wishing you peace and comfort during this difficult time. Uncle Phil left us with many golden memories. He will be missed. R.I.P. Uncle Phil
With deepest sympathy,
Love your niece, Sandy

~ Sandy Dowling San Diego, CA
2/24/2025 6:33:34 PM

Linda and I send our PRAYERS to my Aunt Hibby and all my cousins . Love you all

~ John & Linda Irwin Trenton, GA
2/24/2025 12:48:14 PM

So sorry for your loss. May you find comfort in Jesus during this time.

~ Doug & Debbie Sisson
2/24/2025 11:40:50 AM

What a spectacular guy! I remember all the fun times at the farm. Condolences to the whole Irwin family.

~ Cynthia Berardo Clarksburg, Md
2/24/2025 11:09:35 AM

May his memory be a blessing always. So sorry for your loss

~ Carolyn Garfinkle Canton, OH
2/24/2025 10:58:02 AM