Gerald Kirwin

Gerald (Gerry) Robert Kirwin (age 92) passed away on March 31, 2025. He is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Rose Marie, his son James (Stefanie), grandchildren Lukas, Elizabeth, and Lillian, his daughter Sara (Joe Calizo), and his sisters Mary Cahill (Dallas, TX), Sarah McDonald (Rochester, NY), and Ann Bay (Portland, ME). He was predeceased by his older sister Pat (Albany, NY) and daughter Kathleen in 2014, which remained a source of deep sadness to him.
Born to James and Anna May Kirwin in and raised in Albany, NY, along with his four sisters. Gerry attended St. James School and Christian Brothers Academy. With the start of the Korean War, he enlisted in the Navy, where he served as a Petty Officer Second Class until 1955. After his honorable service, he earned a BSEE from the University of Maine. In 1965, Gerry met Rose Marie, a fellow Navy veteran and his future wife, in their apartment complex in San Diego, CA. They married on August 13, 1966, and raised three children. Though he ultimately had to sell his first love, a '65 Buick Riviera, he did purchase the first of many motorcycles.
Gerry enjoyed a distinguished career, including 26 years with Naval Electronics Command where he managed Navy Undersea Surveillance Command, retiring in 2000 as SURTASS Program Director. His work even took him and Rose Marie back to sunny San Diego, where they briefly lived in Pacific Beach and purchased another '65 Buick Riviera!
Never one to sit still, Gerry transitioned to Johns Hopkins Laboratory, serving under the Intergovernmental Personnel Act as a government manager with Homeland Security and the U.S. Border Patrol. He retired (again) in 2018 and pivoted to volunteer work, amassing an impressive 8,500 hours with the Fairfax County Police Department and Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court. Even after a fall in 2022 sidelined him, his dedication to service never wavered.
In his free time, Gerry was a man of many passions: running 10Ks, restoring his beloved 1965 Buick Riviera, and playing handball-a sport he loved more than he mastered (his words). Above all, Gerry had a deep love for his wife, Rose Marie, and their children, taking pride in their character and work ethic. He will be remembered for his commitment to his Catholic faith,
service, humor, and love for family, his grandchildren and life.
A reception will be held, after the burial, at the Kirwin family home.
In lieu of sending flowers, the family asks for donations to be sent to Holy Spirit Catholic Church, In Annadale Virginia, in memory of Gerald Kirwin.