Waterford — Samuel Luke “Sam” Irwin, age 23, of Waterford, passed away peacefully Dec. 9, 2023, at Lawrence + Memorial Hospital in the loving embrace of his family after a nine-month battle with a rare cancer.
Sam attended Ballestrini’s Child Care and Early Learning Center from ages one to twelve years. He attended elementary school at the Regional Multicultural Magnet School and middle school at Clark Lane Middle School. He was a 2018 graduate of Waterford High School and attended Three Rivers Community College. He was a graduate of the Entech Advanced Energy Training School Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning program in Cromwell. Sam had also completed and passed the practical exam for Emergency Medical Technician. Over the years, Sam worked at Dunkin’ Donuts, Salem Country Gardens, Mohegan Sun Casino and the Windjammer Surf Bar. He had just secured a job at Foxwoods Casino as a security guard. He was also looking forward to starting his HVAC apprenticeship when he was diagnosed.
Sam loved camping, hiking and sports. Sam played baseball for years with Waterford North Little League, including on several All Star Teams. One year, he came in first place in the annual Hit, Pitch and Throw Competition. He also played in the Waterford Babe Ruth League and for a year on a travel team. Sam started wrestling at age six and stayed with it through Clark Lane and into Waterford High School, winning a number of trophies and participating in local and out-of-town tournaments. Over the years, he also participated in cross country running, basketball and soccer. He was a big fan of the New York Yankees. He once ran a 5k road race with the boxer, Marlon Starling, in Canastota, N.Y. Our family was lucky enough to have some fun vacations, which he loved. He travelled to the Dominican Republic and Mexico. He also visited many parts of the United States. He really wanted to see Yellowstone National Park and to climb Mt. Washington in New Hampshire. Since he didn’t get the chance, we will be visiting these and other places to spread his ashes.
Sam was a jokester with a heart of gold. One of his favorite things was to teach his Papa the “parlance of the day,” educating him on the latest slang and cultural phenomena. Sam was a strong supporter of legalized marijuana! Sam’s absolutely favorite television show was The Office. He probably saw every episode at least a dozen times. Sam was learning to cook! His favorite recipe was a creamy chicken and spinach dish that was delicious. We will be happy to pass the recipe on to anyone who might want to try it.
We are incredibly grateful to the staff at Lawrence + Memorial Hospital and the Smilow Cancer Centers at Yale and in Waterford for their compassion and assistance during these last months. Sam was an organ donor and will live on with us through his donation of corneas and tissue.
Sam is survived by his mother Valerie Irwin; and his maternal grandparents, John and Barbara Claire, all of Waterford. He also leaves behind his significant other, Kiara Lopez, of Clinton. She was a godsend as he fought through the end. He also leaves behind his great-grandfather Daniel Durrum of Argyle, N.Y.; great-grandmother Dominica Claire of Canastota, N.Y.; Aunt Shelby and Uncle Robert Irwin; and cousins, Indigo and Harper Irwin, all of Hamden; Aunt Elizabeth and Uncle Josh Smith; and cousins, Peyton and Brady Smith of South Glens Falls, N.Y.; Aunt Joanne Durrum of Argyle; and Uncle Daniel Durrum and Aunt Betty Rojcewicz of Strong, Maine. He is also survived by numerous aunts, uncles and cousins in the Irwin, Durrum and Claire branches of the family. Special thanks go to his best friends, Alex, Steven, Josh and Josh; and our best friends, Tom, Sue and Anne Marie, for being there when he and we needed them.
We are holding a Celebration of Life at 1 p.m. Friday, Dec. 15, followed by lunch at Filomena’s Restaurant in Waterford. Everyone is welcome. There is no need to wear black. In lieu of flowers, you may send a donation to the Waterford-East Lyme Animal Control Shelter or contribute to an annual scholarship being established in his name by the Waterford High School Scholarship Fund.
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