Robert P. Kirwin

KIRWIN Robert P. Kirwin, 95, known as Bob, died in the arms of his family October 1, 2008, at the Lanfair facility in Lancaster where he made his home this past year. He joined Ruth, his wife of 65 years, in Heaven, which she entered just two months ago. Twelve children, 23 grandchildren, and six great–grandchildren survive him. His son, Robert Jr., (Ellen), Southampton, N.Y., preceded him in death. Bob was born October 24, 1912, in London, Ohio, to Patrick J. and Anna Gallagher Kirwin. He received his high school and college education at St. Gregory's Seminary in Cincinnati. His religious training inspired him to participate in many social justice organizations, including the Catholic Interracial Council, and the St. Vincent DePaul Society, which presented him with its diocesan Top Hat Award in 1998 for his dedicated service. He served for 25 years on the Board of St. Vincent's Orphanage. He led the religious education program at St. Mary's Groveport for four years, where he and Ruth attended church for 50 years. In 1986, Bob; the parish's pastor, Father Anthony Missimi; and others were detained in a retreat house for several days during the fall of dictator Jean Claude Duvalier while on a mission trip to Haiti. They returned home safely days later. Bob and his brother, Ed Kirwin, were two of the charter members of the Columbus Shamrock Club, of which he was the last surviving founder. He also was a charter member of the Catholic Men's Luncheon Club and a long-time member of the Knights of Columbus, Pope John XXIII Council 5426. A 40-year member of the Plumbers and Pipefitter Local 189, Bob received Journeyman of the Year Award in 1982 from Operation MOST (Management and Organized Labor Striving Together) for his leadership in labor relations at the Griffin Wheel job site. During World War II, Bob joined the Merchant Marines, serving in the North Atlantic and the Mediterranean. He survived three separate sinkings of ships on which he was serving. He recently enjoyed reunions in Baltimore Harbor with others who manned the "Liberty" ships. He had an avid interest in family history and kept meticulous records to preserve his family's legacy. A loving husband, Bob told well wishers at his late wife's 90th birthday party that "Ruth was the best person I ever knew." An excellent father, he guided his 13 children toward educational achievement in which all earned college degrees, and many advanced degrees. Twelve of Bob's children survive, Dr. Michael (Carol) Kirwin, Upper Arlington, David (Mary) Kirwin, Newark, Katie (Mark) Foley and Dorie Lowe, Upper Arlington, John Kirwin, Columbus, Brigette (Jim) Orsborn, Carroll, Martha Kirwin, E. Rutherford, N.J., Maggie (Todd) Hunter, Bridgehampton, N.Y., Maureen (Lyndell) Myers, Colorado Springs, Colo., Patrick (Vaneshree Moodley) Kirwin, Arlington, Va., Roseanne (Sean) Cleary, Canal Winchester and Gregory (Mei) Kirwin, Banning, Calif. He is survived by 23 beloved grandchildren. They are Matt (Martine) Kirwin, Peter Kirwin, Ryan (Jessica) Kirwin, Brendan Kirwin, Nathaniel (Stacey) Kirwin, Erin (Mike) Stickrod, Keegan (Jenna) Kirwin, Roan Kirwin, Dr. Ian (Cheryl) Foley, Allison (Sean) Woodyard, Joseph Lowe, Bridget Lowe, Natalie Lowe, Andy (Stephanie Workman) Orsborn, Jonathan Orsborn, Kelly Robert Orsborn, Claire Hunter, Gabriel Walker, Brandon Myers, Annie Cleary, Eamon Cleary, Amethyst Kirwin, Bella Mei Kirwin. His six great-grandchildren are Patrick Kirwin, Karl Oscar Stickrod, Isabella Rose Foley, Ally Woodyard, Clayton Orsborn and Gracie Orsborn. Brother Jim Kirwin and sisters-in-law, Virginia and Loretta Kirwin also survive him. Family members wish to thank Father James Walter, members of St. Bernadette's parish and the staff at Lanfair for the loving care of their parents this past year. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Bob's memory can be sent to The Lancaster Conference of the St. Vincent DePaul Society, 424 E. Locust St., Lancaster, OH 43130. A Mass in Bob's memory will be offered at 11 a.m. Saturday, October 4, at St. Bernadette's Church, 1343 Wheeling Road, Lancaster, OH 43130-8701. A Bereavement Luncheon will follow in the church hall. All are invited to celebrate Bob's life. Sign the online guestbook at www.dispatch.com/obituaries