Austin "Shawn" Irwin

IRWIN, AUSTIN "SHAWN" Austin "Shawn" Irwin, 77, of Northford, loving husband of Jenny Velecela Irwin, beloved father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle and friend to so many, died suddenly, Saturday, July 16, 2011, in Branford. Born in Sparta, Tennessee, October 22, 1933, Irwin was the first of nine children born to the late Harold and Josephine Alfieri Irwin. "Shawn" retired in 1999 after many years with Hanson Transmissions. His unwavering commitment and accomplishments as a Field Engineer took him all over the world, but he was first and always, a wonderful husband, loving father, and best friend. His life goal of reuniting his family from Ecuador and securing their citizenship in the US was accomplished through his endless love and dedicated efforts. He had a tremendous love of the outdoors, with gardening his number one "hobby" second only to fatherhood. Most recently he had been employed with All Habitat of Branford. In addition to his wife, Jenny, he is survived by six children, Robyn (James) Inglese, of North Branford, Glenn (Kimberly) Irwin of Wallingford, Lori (Craig) Raffles of Durham, Gabriela, Karen, and Christian; six grandchildren, Ashley, Vincent, Alycia, Alexandra, Gabrielle, and Zachary, and a cherished great granddaughter, Michaela Rose. He was predeceased by his sons Shawn Patrick and Louis Alfredo. Also surviving are three brothers, Robert Irwin of Arkansas, Patrick Irwin of Whitman, MA, William (Susan) Irwin of Seminole, FL, and two sisters, Patricia (Paul) Mazza of Waymouth, MA, and Joanne (Robert) Williams of Rockland, MA, as well as many nieces and nephews. The funeral will be from the Keenan Funeral Home, 330 Notch Hill Road (Rte 22 So. at Rte. 80), North Branford, Thursday morning at 10:00AM. Burial will be in All Saints Cemetery, North Haven. Friends may call at the funeral home Wednesday from 4 to 8 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Shawn's name may be directed to the Irwin Children's Fund, TD Bank North, 1289 Foxon Road, North Branford, CT 06471. Online condolences may be offered at www.keenanfuneralhome.com