Obituary

Jack Irwin, proud Hibernian and volunteer

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John “Jack” Irwin, a longtime East Rockaway resident, former grand marshal in the Rockville Centre St. Patrick’s Parade and lifelong member of numerous Irish organizations, died from complications from Alzheimer’s on Oct. 18. He was 94.

A first-generation Irish-American, Irwin was born on Feb. 25, 1921 in Brooklyn, and soon after his family moved to Queens, where he grew up.

In his early years, Irwin was a child actor. He spent many years on stage in the production of “Life With Father,” the longest-running non-musical in Broadway history, as Whitney. He also had roles in film and radio. He attended special schools while performing.

Like many, he served the country during World War II. He was stationed in Alaska.

In 1954, he married his sweetheart, Mary Ann Reilly. Five years later, the couple moved to East Rockaway, where they lived ever since.

Irwin spent his career with Merrill Lynch, working there for 38 years and retiring as vice president.

But Irwin’s real passion was in giving back to the community. He spent most of his free time working with many different organizations, donating his time and talents to Irish organizations and to his community.

He was well-known with the Ancient Order of Hibernians. He served as president for the local Division 14, the Nassau County chapter, the New York chapter and also served as National Director. He was a member of the Friendly Sons of Saint Patrick, the County Limerick Society and the Irish American Society of Nassau, Suffolk and Queens. He was the vice chairman of the National Assembly of Irish American Republicans, an officer of the New York Guard Irish Brigade and deputy national chairman of the Freedom For All of Ireland Committee.

Irwin was also very politically active. He was a proud Republican, and worked with many leaders in the party. He spent 11 years as the Irish Affairs Director for Gov. George Pataki, and would host the Governor’s Breakfast at the New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade every year. He was invited to the White House for the inaugurations of presidents George Bush and Bill Clinton.

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