Francis D. Irwin

Napanoch, NY

Francis D. Irwin of Napanoch, died at home on Wednesday, August 6, 2008 at the age of 90 following a lengthy illness. Francis was born on September 14, 1917 in Ravena, NY to Barber C. Irwin and Sarah Jeanette Hanstine Irwin.

Francis spent his early years working as a correction officer at Eastern Correctional Facility and later helped to build the Rondout Reservoir. In 1950, he opened The Marine Room Restaurant in Napanoch, which he operated for 35 years. The Marine Room was a longtime favorite spot with its live country music and great food. Francis was a great chef and host and enjoyed spending time with his patrons. His "Groundhog Day Celebration" became a popular annual tradition and drew large crowds to the restaurant for his game dinner buffet.

After retiring from the restaurant and catering business, Francis served as a Town of Wawarsing Councilman for 15 years. He was an Ulster County Republican Committeeman for District 8 in Napanoch for 50 years and a former Chairman of The Town of Wawarsing Republican Committee. Francis was a longtime member of Christ Lutheran Church and served on its Congregational Council. He was a charter member and trustee, in 1955, of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks Lodge 1971 in Napanoch and remained a member throughout the years. Francis was a Free & Accepted Mason, Wawarsing Lodge No. 582, which honored him with their Dedicated Service Award in 2002.

Francis was instrumental in establishing The Shawangunk Senior Citizens Center in Napanoch, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, and served as its president for many years. Additionally, he was a founding member of The Town of Wawarsing/Village of Ellenville Fourth of July Committee, a board member of the Napanoch Public Interest Group and President of the Furman Cemetery Association. In 2003, he was given the Ulster County Senior Citizen of the Year Award by the Office of the Aging.

Francis is survived by his wife of 66 years, Julia Allees Irwin, whom he married on October 12, 1941 in St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Liberty, NY, his sons Dennis F. and his wife, Esther of Latham, NY, Ron of Napanoch and Kirk and his wife, Kristy of Palm Bay, FL. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Dennis A. Irwin of Latham, Sara Irwin of Ellenville, Taylor Irwin of Palm Bay, FL, Jorge Rodriquez and Mary Esther Patterson of Miami, FL. Many nieces and nephews also survive him. He was predeceased by his sisters, Eva Porter, Violet Miller, Ada Adams and Barbara Irwin and his brothers, Joseph and Virgil.

His devotion to the community was an inspiration to his family and made them very proud. "We will miss his zest for life."

Calling hours at Loucks Funeral Home, 79 N. Main St., Ellenville, will be held on Sunday, August 10 from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, August 11 at 11 a.m. at Christ Lutheran Church, 105 Center St., Ellenville, with the Rev. Audrey Pederson officiating. Internment will follow at Grahamsville Rural Cemetery, Grahamsville, NY.

Contributions in his memory may be sent to Christ Lutheran Church Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 787, Ellenville, NY 12428 or Shawangunk Senior Center, P.O. Box 646, Napanoch, NY 12458 or to the charity of one's choice.

Arrangements by Loucks Funeral Home, Inc.