Mr Richard L. Irwin

Prospect – Mr. Richard L. Irwin, 85, passed away on Saturday morning, March 23, at his home surrounded by his family. He was the son of the late Foster A. and Kathryn (Kopetski) Irwin and the beloved husband of Jean L. (Steele) Irwin for 63 years.

Richard was born in Helena, Montana on April 4, 1938. He graduated from Central Valley High School in Spokane Valley, Washington, and earned a bachelor's degree from the State University of New York (SUNY).

Richard proudly served as a submariner in the U.S. Navy for six years on the U.S.S. Bream, a diesel boat, and later the U.S.S. Permit, the lead boat in its class of nuclear-powered fast attack submarines as a reactor operator. He was employed until his retirement as a Chief Procurement Officer by Parsons, Inc., an international construction company, which allowed him to experience the world, spending significant time working in Bosnia, Iraq, Russia, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey, as well as several locations throughout the United States. His greatest joy was driving his Mustang SVT Cobra.

He was a devout Roman Catholic and parishioner at St. Anthony’s Roman Catholic Church in Prospect. He loved and was extremely proud of and cherished his family above all else.

In addition to his wife, Richard is survived by his children, Michael C. Irwin and his wife Cindy of Bakersfield, CA, Carolyn S. Wasiak and her husband Francis of Burtonsville, MD, Pamela J. Casagrande and her husband Antony of Prospect, James J. Irwin and his wife Jennifer of Canoga Park, CA and Philip G. Irwin and his wife Jamie of Issaquah, WA; one brother, Terry Irwin of Helena, MT; his grandchildren, Alyssa Rizzotto, Geoffrey Irwin, Scott Irwin, Christopher Irwin, Gregory Irwin, Matthew Wasiak, Emma Casagrande, Austin Casagrande, Charlie Irwin, Emilie Irwin, Amanda Irwin, Chelsea Anderson, and Brant Anderson; his great-grandchildren Sophia, James, Jonah, Dean, Brandi and Issac and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his siblings, Alvin Irwin, Elaine Fink, and Clark Irwin.

Richard’s family would like to give sincere thanks to his caregivers from accentCare Hospice and from Heaven’s Hands for their kindness and professionalism during his time in their care. A special thanks to Ashley, Suzanna, and nurse John.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, April 24, at 10:00 A.M. at St. Anthony’s Church in Prospect, followed by a private burial at Hutchings Cemetery in Middle Grove, New York.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to The Association of The Miraculous Medals, 1811 West Saint Joseph Street, Perryville, Missouri 63775-1598.