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Patrick K. Irwin
1943 - 2025
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Patrick Irwin Obituary
Jul 12, 1943 - Dec 27, 2025
Age 82, of Buffalo passed away peacefully on December 27, 2025, with his family by his side. Dearest brother of Robert (Ellen) Irwin of Salamanca. also survived by several nieces, nephews and cousins. Predeceased by a brother, Michael. The middle of three boys, Pat was a graduate of Saint Thomas Aquinas Elementary School and Bishop Timon - St Jude High School. Pat graduated from the University of Buffalo and went on to teach Broadcast Law at Buffalo State University and worked as a news producer at channel 4. He was signed off nightly by the announcer after the 11 O'Clock News as "Pat
Irwin at the editor's desk". Pat's name was synonymous with outstanding work ethic. He always took great pride in his work. This, accompanied by his willingness to help anyone in need, gained the admiration. and respect of his co-workers. On his retirement after more than 30 years with the City of Buffalo Department of Assessment and Taxation, the Common Council of the City commended Pat for his hard work and determined efforts towards the betterment of the community. Pat was a self-taught pianist and long time admirer of classic cars. He was also an avid runner, entering the annual YMCA Buffalo Niagara Turkey Trot and several half-marathons. He never allowed unfavorable weather conditions to interfere with his daily jog around South Park Lake after morning Mass. Many in his tight knit community affectionately referred to Pat as the "Mayor" of his Olmstead Islands block because he genuinely cared for the betterment of his neighborhood and showed this by not only tending to his property, but also mowing and maintaining all nine of the center islands of his beloved street.
In retirement, he spent many hours and days enjoying his daily pursuits capped off with his favorite snack, a peanut butter sandwich and a cold Pepsi Cola. Family and friends are invited to congregate in the vestibule of St. Martin of Tours Church, 1140 Abbott Road, Buffalo at 9:15 AM on Monday, January 5, 2026 to be followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 9:45 AM. Arrangements by the JAMES W. CANNAN FUNERAL HOME INC. Online condolences at www.CANNANFH.com.
Memorial Events
for Patrick Irwin
Funeral services provided by:
James W. Cannan Funeral Home, Inc. - Buffalo2397 Seneca Street, Buffalo, NY 14210
Memories and Condolences
for Patrick Irwin
3 Entries
Patty Gollwitzer
Yesterday
You will be sadly missed by our family, Pat. It has been a pleasure, and an honor, knowing you all these years.
It gives me relief to know that you are finally at peace, and with Jesus now. Love you
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Terry Dunford
Yesterday
Pat was a proud Irish American who grew up with his brothers (next door to my grandparents and Dad) on Athol Street in South Buffalo. As a young boy (when I first met him), he regaled me with stories of pranks that he and his brothers used to pull on the "hallowed" ground where we stood. He later shared how those pranks (sometimes involving water hoses) "inadvertently" found their way through an open window next to which my grandfather happened to be seated! His laughter when telling these tales was whimsical and gave the uninitiated like me a look inside the kind soul that Pat Irwin was.
In the subsequent years, our family watched him on Channel 4 as he reported on the various goings-on in the Queen City of the Lakes. He was a steady presence whose straightforward delivery provided a no-nonsense report on the major issues of the day.
Pat´s journalistic career included the full gamut of what a TV journalist in the 20th century could achieve. He edited film (and later video), reported from the streets, sat in the anchor chair and wrote and produced newscasts. Later in his TV career, he took over the most powerful position in a newsroom: he sat at the editor´s desk. That meant that he alone was responsible for the content that appeared that evening. His integrity and that of the news organization he worked for was on the line, and he did it well.
Later, as I embarked on my college career, our paths crossed again. This time he was teaching would-be journalists at Buffalo State College. As I dug into my own studies, Pat Irwin soon became my trusted journalistic mentor. And like a unique treasure found in an antique store, Pat became the professional "pearl" I needed to provide me with the knowledge from which to build a career.
I found his expertise, abilities and wisdom to be very unique. He didn´t teach in the ethereal realm. He was practical. He told his students, and then most importantly, he showed his students, how journalism "things" worked. From writing to interviewing, he provided clear cut lessons on journalistic impartiality.
His knowledge of broadcast law, which he freely shared, gave his students the rules of journalistic integrity to abide by in our careers that lied ahead. Pat´s insight and direction provided a keen understanding of journalism´s challenges. Most importantly, it also provided a framework from which to succeed.
His commitment to his community was genuine and unwavering. He was so proud and genuinely taken aback when his neighbors rallied to have his street named after him for his extensive beautification efforts: "Pat Irwin Way" on Harding Road. Over the years, the parkway-like street was meticulously maintained because of him, his efforts and his inspiration to others!
Looking back, it will be his perspective on life that I´ll miss the most. I visited him many times at his later career endeavor in Buffalo City Hall. He always presented a fresh view on the topic of the day. But it is his 1991 thoughts on what to rename Buffalo´s then "Pilot Field" that comes to the fore. He offered his suggestions to the Buffalo News which they printed. Then-reporter Donn Esmonde's story included this:
"PAT IRWIN FIELD, because it has a nice ring to it. All-American, like baseball, motherhood, apple pie and Chevrolet. Beer would be free."
Pat, you did good, kid. You´ll be missed and may God give you heaven!
Terry Dunford
Kristie sokolowski
Yesterday
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
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