Louis Henry Irwin

Louis Henry Irwin, II, a devoted family man and respected member of his community, passed away peacefully at his home in Virginia Beach, Virginia, on December 26, 2025. Born July 11, 1932, in Garden City, New York. Louis, better known as Lou, was a devoted husband and loving father.

Lou was a music enthusiast. He learned to play the trumpet at a young age and later enjoyed many nights at Birdland, seeing the best jazz artists of the day. He married his high school sweetheart, Ginny Johnson, both members of the Class of 1950 at Garden City High School. They remained active organizers of their high school reunions for the next 60 years. The relationships Lou made growing up and throughout his life became lifelong friendships which he maintained up until his passing.

Lou was in the ROTC program at Hofstra University where he received his Bachelors Degree in 1955. After he completed his military service in the United States Army in El Paso, Texas, he and Ginny returned to Garden City where they raised their family. Lou was an avid fisherman and boater who made friends anywhere there was a ramp or marina. He and his brother Campbell briefly owned Hartig Marine in Freeport, New York. He then had a successful career in the insurance industry. During his time in Garden City, Lou was an active member of the Volunteer Fire Department and served several terms as a board member at Lutheran Church of the Resurrection. He also enjoyed woodworking and maintained a shop in his basement where he built much of the furniture in his home.

In 1987 Lou and Ginny relocated to Manlius, New York where he later retired after 25 years with the Travelers Insurance company. During their years in Manlius, they spent winters in Jupiter Florida where Lou kept his fishing boat. He loved to spend his mornings at the Jupiter inlet watching the ocean and meeting friends. They were active members of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Manlius, New York and Holy Spirit Lutheran Church in Juno, Florida.

In 2011 Lou and Ginny moved to Virginia Beach and attended Good Shepherd Lutheran Church on Laskin Road where they were active with their Food Pantry. His faith and fellowship within the church community were central to his life and provided him with strength and solace. He held court every morning, rain or shine with his group of friends at Hardee's and Burger King.

Louis was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 65 years, Virginia (Johnson), and his parents, Marion G. Irwin and Helen H. Irwin. He was also predeceased by his sister Sherwood and brothers Campbell and John. He leaves behind a loving family, including his three children, Robert (Kim), Thomas (Pam) and Nancy (Lars), along with his grandchildren, Christian, Leslie (Matt), Erik, Alison (Jeff), Melissa (Steve), Emma, Anders, great-grandchildren, McKenna and Brooke, his beloved dog Bentley as well as many friends and extended family who will continue to cherish his memory.

At this time, there are no formal services scheduled. Please check back for updates on future service arrangements. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, ensuring that Louis' spirit of generosity and faith continues to touch the lives of others.

Lou will be remembered for his unwavering love for his family, his steadfast faith, his honorable service to both his country and community and his commitment to lifelong friendships.

Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Altmeyer Funeral Home and Cremations, Southside Chapel located at 5033 Rouse Drive, Virginia Beach, Virginia 23462. Altmeyer Funeral Home is both honored and humbled to serve the Irwin family.