John Edward Irwin Jr.

John Edward Irwin Jr. passed away peacefully in California, surrounded by his loving family, after a long illness. He lived a life marked by deep loyalty, curiosity, joy, and an extraordinary devotion to the people-and animals-he loved.

Born to the late John and Anna (Carosella) Irwin, John was a proud East Boston kid at heart, carrying that spirit with him wherever life took him. He was a devoted brother to Edward Irwin and Anne Irwin Sheppard, and a cherished brother-in-law to John Sheppard. John was a loving uncle to Russell Rioux and his wife Taylor, Jacqueline Rioux and her fiancé Joseph Keller, and was especially proud of the close bond he shared with them. He also loved Harrison Joslin as a son, a relationship that meant the world to him.

John was a godfather to 14 children, ranging in age from 3 to 30, a role he embraced with pride and joy. He was also blessed with countless friendships that spanned cities, decades, and chapters of life-friends who became family and remained deeply connected to him always.

John graduated from Boston Latin School in 1983, earned his Bachelor's degree from UMass Boston in 1988, and later fulfilled a lifelong goal by graduating from Whittier Law School with his Juris Doctor in 1992. In 1989, he made a bold move from Boston to Los Angeles, settling in the Hollywood Hills, where he built a full and vibrant life while never losing his East Boston roots.

An avid lover of life, John found joy in many passions. He loved tennis, both playing and attending professional tournaments, and spent countless hours hiking Runyon Canyon and waterskiing. He enjoyed attending sporting events and had a well-known fondness for watching reality television, always with humor and enthusiasm. At home, he was happiest baking, perfecting his homemade pizza, and hosting legendary Sunday pizza parties filled with laughter, food, and love. Some of his most treasured memories were made during annual trips to Italy with his mother and brother-journeys rich in family, tradition, and unforgettable moments.

Above all else, John loved dogs-truly and deeply. His affection for them was unmistakable, and anyone who knew John knew how much joy, comfort, and happiness dogs brought into his life. They were constant companions and a source of pure love that reflected his own generous heart.

John will be remembered for his kindness, quick wit, loyalty, and his remarkable ability to make people feel truly seen and valued. He lived fully, loved fiercely, and left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him. His legacy lives on in the many lives he touched and the love he shared so freely.

Family and friends will honor John's life by gathering at the Ruggiero Family Memorial Home, East Boston, on Wednesday, February 18th from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM, and again on Thursday, February 19th at 8:30 AM, before leaving in procession to St. Joseph – St. Lazarus Church for a 10:00 AM Funeral Mass. Services will conclude with John being laid to rest at Holy Cross Cemetery in Malden.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in John's memory to support brain cancer research:

The UCLA Brain Cancer Research Funds

www.giving.ucla.edu/braincancerresearch

When making a gift, please indicate it is in honor of John Irwin.

Donations may also be made payable to The UCLA Foundation - please indicate Brain Cancer Research Fund #61893C and that the gift is in honor of John Irwin.

Checks may be mailed to:

The UCLA Foundation

PO Box 7145

Pasadena, CA 91109-7145

He will be profoundly missed and forever remembered.