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Robert Irwin Obituary
Greene: Robert Kemp Irwin, 93, of Greene, was born in Arvaugh, County Cavan, Ireland on May 5, 1919 and left us January 21, 2013. He is survived by wife, Anna; son, Robert Jr. and Lenore Evanosky; daughter and son-in-law, Cheryl and Larry Driscall; three grandchildren, Julie and Albie Harris, James and Vivian Driscall, Daniel and Colleen Driscall; three great-grandchildren, Joseph and Claire Harris, and William Driscall. Robert came to the United States as a child. He attended school in White Plains and Greer School in Dutchess County. Bob served his country in the US Marines from 1943-1946. He ended with the rank of Staff-Sergeant. He graduated from New Paltz Normal School and taught school in Kinderhook. He became a school principal in Stottville and spent 18 years as principal of Chenango Forks Central School. A memorial service will be held 1:30 p.m. Sunday at First Congregational Church, United Church of Christ, Greene with Rev. Curtis Whitman officiating. Friends of the family may call 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. Saturday at Root Funeral Home, 23 N. Chenango Street, Greene, NY 13778. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Congregational Church U.C.C., 28 N. Chenango Street, Greene, NY 13778 or Moore Memorial Library, 59 Genesee Street, Greene, NY 13778. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.rootfh.com.
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Memories and Condolences
for Robert Irwin
Sara A Herrick
January 16, 2020
So sorry to hear this! Bob Irwin was a beloved person to many at Chenango Forks!! He will be missed.
Jane Shear
February 19, 2013
When I was just starting out as a French teacher, Bob Irwin was one of the kindest and most inspiring principals I could have had. His positive attitude, his sense of humor and his ability to stay calm were attributes that I hoped to emulate. He will never be forgotten. My sympathies to his family.
jim shear
February 8, 2013
Bob gave me my first real teaching job at The Forks even though he really knew what he was getting into. He could not have been more loved and respected. What a wonderful man to have known and worked for. I still picture him taking my own kids on his lap and reading to them while I went up to my classroom to rummage thru my desk for something or other. The most amazing thing about him is that, even in today's "sterile administrator" mode and mold, he would do the same thing. He WILL rest in peace for he has nothing to regret doing. My condolences to Ann, Cheryl and family. L'Chaim jim shear
January 27, 2013
My condolences to the Irwin family. Mr. Irwin was someone who always made you feel special. He never forgot a name. One of the kind of people who always brightened your day and whose life added sunshine to the earth.
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Kevin and Joanne White
January 27, 2013
Bob and Lenore, So sorry for you loss.Sounds like he was a great man.One whom could not only say Semper Fi but lived it.Its plain to see that same chracter and honor carried through to you.May your memories be long and your healing quick.
Wess Van Voorhis
January 27, 2013
This man was an AWESOME principal! My sincere sympathies to Mr. Irwin's family and friends. Wess Van Voorhis, class of '79.
January 25, 2013
Bob, most sincere condolences.
Barbara Wolfson (mediator)
January 25, 2013
As a young mother sending my first child to school, I was so fortunate, as was my daughter, to have Bob as the principal. He was the kindness and most thoughtful one could hope to leave their child off with each day. I think he was one of the "great" administrators that CF ever had, and I and my family will remember him always. I still remain in the CF School district, and all these years the example set by Bob, and fellow admin. have been the best. My thoughts and prayers to his family now for their loss, but how wonderful their memories are of such a super guy.
Pat Kilts, and family
Laura (Furth) Getz
January 24, 2013
Mr. Irwin made my days in high school fun. He was a great principal & I will never forget him.
Bobbie Furth
January 24, 2013
Anne,
My deepest sympathy over Mr. Irwin's passing. ( I would have married him if he didn't already have you) I have had both knees replaced & have been staying away from thing as I am still unsteady even with my cane. I will be in touch..
Sincerely with love,
Bobbie Furth
Rick & Judy Valone
January 24, 2013
Bob, Lenore and family, Judy and I were sorry to read about the loss of your father. Know that we will keep you in thought and prayer.
January 23, 2013
I will always remember walking up West Juliand Hill and Mr. Irwin taking time to not just say hello but really take time to ask about my day and encourage my dreams for the future! Such an encourager! Cherish your memories and memories of all those he touched!
The Lyles Family
Michael Grasso
January 23, 2013
My sincere sympathies to his family. Mr. Irwin was a great guy and great principal. He had a positive influence on me. I have fond memories of Mr. Irwin reading to our fifth grade class and in high school taking the time out to shot hoops with us or talk to us about trout fishing. He was always there for the students and wanted the best for them. Semper Fi Bobby K.
Bill O'Mara
January 23, 2013
We are all honored to have had Mr Irwin as our principal and friend. Our prayers are with his family and friends
Debra Sherwood / Tripp
January 23, 2013
So sorry for your loss . Mr Irwin was my VP, The Schools could use more like him
Dick Orth
January 23, 2013
To all the Irwin family, my deepest sympathies on your loss. May God give you the peace, comfort and strength you need during this difficult time. Also know that your loving memories will give you joy as you move forward.
Dawn Pflanz
January 23, 2013
Bob,
I was sorry to read of your dad's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Regardless of our age, it's always tough to lose a parent. After reading all the wonderful things people have said in this guest book, I can tell that he was a very special man. Focus on the memories.
Christina Markham-Broderick
January 23, 2013
Dear, dear Mr. Irwin. A simple, honorable Gentleman!!! I have sooo many memories that instantly make me smile. One of my favorites was when he helped my dig my retainer out of the trash bin. Seemed like we looked forever. I was sure my parents were going to kill me and he reassured me that wasn't going to happen!! I enjoyed our visits when Mr. Robert Jr. brought him to the dental office. I will miss you Mr. Irwin. May peace be with you all in the days ahead.
Susan Brooks-Zick
January 23, 2013
One of the best administrators Chenango Forks ever had. Mr. Irwin had a positive impact on so many people. Thoughts and prayers to the Irwin family. He will truely be missed!
Donna Haskell
January 23, 2013
There will never be another Mr. Irwin
as he was one of a kind. Love and
prayers to his family.
January 23, 2013
What an amazing man He was. I don't think He ever forgot anyone's name. I loved working for him. Peg Kingsbury
Ellen Adams
January 23, 2013
Ann, Cheryl and family. My thoughts and prayers go out to you at this time. A great man is now an angel watching over you.
Chuck & Mary Babcock
January 23, 2013
Just to let you know that our thoughts and prayers are with you. When we lived across the street, Bob would come over and take our daughter Dana for walks up on the hill behind us. She was only 4 years old and always enjoyed her time with Bob. He was a wonderful neighbor and we have been away a long time, Dana is now 39, but have thought of you and the family often. Blessings to all of you.
Charles Moomey
January 23, 2013
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Charles Woodruff
January 23, 2013
I remember Mr. Irwin in the hallway on my first day of school back in '58. I was so glad to see him, Mr. Sweeney, and Mr. Andrus at the auction and farewell ceremony at the old Charlotte Kenyon School in the spring of 2002. Today's schools could use more unselfish administrators like him. He touched thousands of students' lives in a positive way over the years and Chenango Forks was truly blest to have him. Thank you for all you did. Rest in peace, Mr. Irwin.
Mary Ann & Bill
January 22, 2013
Your family is in our thoughts and prayers
Tom Personius
January 22, 2013
Great man! Loved working with him; gave me guidance with wisdom and caring. He mentioned his wife, Ann, often. He balanced family and career. May he be telling the saints one of his jokes right now.
Soozie Messersmith
January 22, 2013
To the entire Irwin clan, I am so sorry to learn of the passing of your Dad. I had the privilege of meeting him one time when I stopped by to say hello one morning after work (after I had run into Bob at the hospital). He was a very gracious and warm-hearted man and will be missed by so very many. May it comfort you to know that others are sharing in your grief. Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers.
Dennis Shaul
January 22, 2013
To the Irwin Family;
Mr. Irwin is an icon in the CF School District. He is one of my fondest memories not only as Principal, Football Game announcer, etc but one of the greatest personalities to roam those halls and bless this earth. God less Mr. Irwin and all of you.
Class of '77
Dennis Shaul
January 22, 2013
To the Irwin Family: keeping all of you in our hearts & prayers. Mr. Irwin was larger than life itself. He always put the students of Chenango Forks first and was just and fair with staff, faculty and students alike. He will always have a very special place in the hearts of all who have had the privilege to know him. Jan Kloda and daughters Debbie, Phyllis & Michele.
Michele (Foran) Merwarth
January 22, 2013
Mr. Irwin was a great man! He always had a knack for making me feel very special - whether I was one of his elementary students at the Charlotte Kenyon building, a high school student at the "new" CF campus, or after I moved to Greene as an adult. I thought it was only me who got the special attention...until I read other posts and find that he gave all his students the same attention.
His mind was very sharp and his wit was refreshing. It now makes sense to me...he was Irish!
Sincere sympathy to his family - Bob was one in a million.
mcl crossrifle det 1346
January 22, 2013
sleep in peace borther mairne
Holly Holder-Sanchez
January 22, 2013
Every once in a while, a person passes through one's life and changes its trajectory. One day Mr. Irwin summoned me to his office and told me my national test scores were very strong in many subject areas; and I could "become anything". Someone believed that I had real academic potential, and that changed everything. He didn't have to do that; it wasn't part of his job. It was part of his intense drive to improve the lives of the students in his domain.
After completing my graduate work, I went on to teach at universities all over the world. I hope I made him proud. God bless him.
Betty Lyon
January 22, 2013
Mr Irwin was a thoughtful and caring role model at Chenango Forks Central. He was vice-principle while I attended the school, but I knew he would make a great a principle when the time came. I am sure his family is proud of his accomplishments and they, as well as his friends, will surely miss him very much. My sympathy to his family at this difficult time.
I hope I measure up to his standards
Ed 1975 Blakeslee
January 22, 2013
Mr. Robert K. Irwin was a man I looked up to and respected. He seemed to follow me all through school. Kinder garten to grade school to graduation day. He knew me as well or better than my own Father. Whether I needed a reprimand or a compliment he gave it with respect for who I was. A kid. Always fair, firm, and understanding.
Truly one-of-a-kind and he will leave a huge void in this world. May he Rest In Peace. Heartfelt Condolence To His Family
Jimmy Metzar
January 22, 2013
To the Irwin Family,with deepest sympathy on your loss. Mr. Irwin was a honorable , kind man to all,the best of principals and the voice of C.F. Football.....RIP
Edward and Mary Theresa O'Mara
January 22, 2013
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all, and especially GOBI. May he rest in eternal peace.
Bill and Dotty Davies
January 22, 2013
We were very sorry to hear of Bob's death. He was one of the nicest men a person could meet, and we loved having him as our next-door neighbor for almost 30 years. Our boys called him "Grandpa Bob" when they were young, and enjoyed the attention Bob gave them. Our thoughts and prayers are with the whole family. Bob was a very special person, and will be greatly missed.
Sara A Herrick
January 22, 2013
There was never a better principal and person as Mr. Irwin. I remember him with such fondness. So sorry for the family's loss.
Richard Parker
January 22, 2013
All my memories of Mr. Irwin are pleasant ones. We had the grocery in CF and he was in just about every night in his usual cheerful mood.
Charlene (Sherry) Cummings
January 22, 2013
Mr. Irwin was one of the best principal's I have ever had. Every time that I would see him in Greene in later years he always remembered my sister and I. My thoughts and prayers are with his family . RIP Mr. Irwin
kathy brooks engel
January 22, 2013
Mr Irwin was a very kind man and principal, the best one I ever knew...thoughts and prayers to the family..RIP
Peter Connell
January 22, 2013
My first of many fond recollections of Robert Irwin was when I found him as my elementary school principal - I was 8. I remember how special he made me feel. I was delighted when I graduated from elementary and he followed to the Jr. High/High School; and there, remained my principal. I have always had a great, great fondness for him.
In high school I gave him reason to be angry with me - once - and his disapproval made me never want to disappoint him again, so great was my admiration for him. He was, in my opinion, the epitome of a school principal. He genuinely CARED for the kids - and I was privileged to be one of them.
After I had left high school and gone into the Marine Corps, Mr. Irwin was already retired (still "announcing" at the football games for a while), but I wanted to look him up and thank him for his influence on my life. He and his wife Anna came from Greene and picked me up in their Subaru (I think it was the summer of 1979 or '80) and we spent a short time and a meal together. I think it was the only time that I ever remember meeting Mrs. Irwin. The gesture to come see me and give me a ride will always be remembered.
I was thinking of Mr. Irwin just last week, wondering about him and then received a note this morning of his passing. I know that his passing will leave a hole in the lives of all who knew him, his family most especially—but I hope that all of you who are family will be comforted, in part, to know the great role that he played in the lives of so very many. Thank you for sharing him with us.
Blessings,
Peter F. Connell
Robin Brooks-Latham
January 22, 2013
I will always have fond memories of one of the best principals CF ever had. He always remembered me when I saw him out and about. I have to laugh when I read what Kathy wrote about him running cause he always ran with this HUGE bounce in his step! A great man. My sincere sympathy to his family.
Robert Martone
January 22, 2013
Bob I was sorry to hear about the loss of your dad, he will always be sitting by you at all of the baseball games in sprit. May he rest in peace
DeAnne Spears Townsend
January 22, 2013
Bob I am sorry for your loss, My thoughts and prayers are with you. May God bless and care for you always.
Kathi Mazursky Bailey
January 22, 2013
To the family of Mr. Irwin... I will always remember him as my rescuer when I was in Kindergarten and he rescued me in the cafeteria of the old school after a much taller person than myself dumped his tray on me and his fork cut my eye. He scooped me up and carried me to the nurse's office. He was and will always be my hero! My most vivid memory of him is him running down the hall. He always ran! I send deep sympathy and prayers to the family of a man that will always be remembered.
Mary Jo O'Mara-Cottingham
January 22, 2013
To the Irwin Family;
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Mr Irwin touched so many....he will be deeply missed.
Wes Shear
January 22, 2013
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Wes & Kara Shear
Lynn Stasko~Farrell
January 22, 2013
To one of the best principals at Chenango Forks. May you rest in peace and prayers to your family.
January 22, 2013
Sending loving thoughts and prayers to all of Robert's family.
With love,
Deacon Dorothy Pierce
Glenn & Marion Shapley
January 22, 2013
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
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