John Irwin

John Irwin, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, firefighter, and former owner of Irwin Fire Equipment, passed away surrounded by the family he loved so deeply. His life was one defined by service, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to his community. Born August 3, 1960, in Greenfield, Ohio, John was raised in Wilmington and New Vienna, where he developed the values, work ethic, and loyalty that shaped the rest of his life. He is survived by his devoted wife, Connie Irwin, and his children: Dustin Irwin, Jr. Irwin, Timothy (Erica) Smith, Misty Irwin, and Cristy (Randy) Bolin; a sister, Jana Irwin and he also leaves behind several nieces and nephews who adored him along with many close friends and relatives. John was a proud grandfather to nine grandchildren - Wyatt, Mason and Adelyn Irwin, Bradley, Nora and Olivia Smith, Charlie Bolin, and Daniel and Kaitlyn Spence - and a cherished great-grandfather to Jordan and Jasper. Being "Papaw" was one of his greatest joys, and his love for his grandchildren was immeasurable. He was preceded in death by his parents, Mary Louise Irwin and Robert Lee Irwin, as well as his daughter, Jonda Irwin, whom he now joins an eternal rest. John dedicated more than 45 years to fire service, faithfully serving his community with courage, integrity, and compassion. He proudly served as a long-time board member of the Southern Ohio Fire and EMS School, helping train, support, and guide generations of firefighters. His fellow firefighters were his second family and the firehouse was a place where he mentored countless others, passed down wisdom, and built lifelong friendships. In recognition of his decades of service, John will receive full firefighter funeral honors, a tribute befitting his lifelong commitment to protecting others. Beyond fire service, John was the former owner of Irwin Fire Equipment, where he poured his heart into building a business rooted in honesty, reliability, and care for the people and organizations he served. His legacy continues through the family who proudly carries on his name, his work, and the values he instilled. John Irwin leaves behind a legacy of strength, humility, and love - a legacy that will live on in his family, his brothers and sisters in fire service, and in the community, he dedicated his life to protecting. Funeral services will be held 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at Dove Church, 1499 Rombach Ave., in Wilmington. Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Monday November 24, 2025, at the church. Burial will be in the New Vienna I.O.O.F. Cemetery. To leave on-line condolences, please visit www.arehart-brown.com or visit our Facebook page, Brown Funeral Home. Brown Funeral Home, Wilmington, is serving the family.