John J. "Jackie" Irwin

1953 - 2025

CURWENSVILLE - John J. "Jackie" Irwin, 72, of Curwensville, formerly of Osceola Mills, died on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025 at Ridgeview Eldercare Nursing & Rehab. Center in Curwensville.

Born on Oct. 17, 1953, in Philipsburg, Jackie is the son of the late John P. "Jack" Irwin and Vanetta Jean (Webster) Irwin. Jackie grew up in Osceola Mills, where he made many lifelong friends and became known for his humor, charm, and easygoing spirit.

Jackie attended the New Life Center in Philipsburg, and the Osceola Mills Presbyterian Church.

A 1971 graduate of Philipsburg-Osceola High School, Jackie was well-liked and popular throughout his youth. He played Little League baseball and enjoyed traveling, including a memorable trip to Yellowstone with friends. He worked in construction and took pride in the bridges he helped build.

In 1976, Jackie was severely injured in an accident that left him handicapped. After spending several months in a coma in Altoona, he began the long process of recovery, first at the hospital, then at his parents' home in Osceola Mills, and later at a rehabilitation facility in Virginia. Through determination and strength, he regained enough independence to live in his own apartment across from the old junior high in Philipsburg, where he was often seek walking with his cane around town.

Jackie eventually moved closer to his parents, where he continued to live independently for many years. He enjoyed being outdoors, sunning himself shirtless, sharing meals and drinks, and bringing laughter to those around him. He was strong, spirited, and known for being a bit of a flirt, always ready with a smile or a joke.

He later married Barb, and although their marriage was brief, they shared time together in the home near his parents. As his care needs increased, Jackie was supported by dedicated caregivers before eventually transitioning to a nursing home.

Jackie was preceded in death by his father in 2018, his mother in 2021, his sisters Jani (1966) and Jill (2002), and his grandparents Helen and Paul Irwin, and Mabel and Freeman Webster.

He is survived by his siblings: Todd Irwin of Osceola Mills, Katina Stephens and her husband Caleb and Craig Irwin and his wife Diane of Tipton. He also leaves behind his niece, Sarah Stephens of Osceola Mills; his nephew, Shane Irwin of Osceola Mills; and his great-nephew Beckett.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025 at 1 p.m. at the Heath Funeral Home & Cremation Services, LLC at 701 Lingle St., Osceola Mills, PA. The Rev. John Dill will officiate.

Interment will be at Umbria Cemetery in Osceola Mills.

Friends and family will be received on Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025 from noon until the time of the funeral at the funeral home.

The family wants to thank Ridgeview Eldercare Nursing & Rehab. Center for Jackie's wonderful care over the last seven years.

To sign the online guestbook, go to www.heathfuneral.com.