William H. "Bill" Irwin

William H. Irwin, age 71, of Erie, passed away on Sunday, May 13, 2007 surrounded by his loved ones. He was born on November 25, 1935, the son of the late Harmon McCullough and Bessie Mae Connor Irwin.

Bill was a lifeguard at Chestnut Pool for seven years, which led to his job of 38 years with the Erie Water Dept. from where he retired in 1991. Bill enjoyed playing with his grandbabies best, traveling with his family, playing cards, and visiting with family and friends at the "Round Table". Bill was a man with a heart of gold and unconditional love who taught his children the meaning of pride in hard work and a job well done. Bill loved to tell stories of the "Good ole days", and we loved hearing them. A strong family unit was Bill's greatest accomplishment, and his love for his family was our greatest gift.

In addition to his parents,he was preceded in death by his brothers, Harmon Jr., Charles, and Gerald; sisters, Alfretta, Phyllis Grappy, and Juanita Staff; and granddaughter, Kaitlin Denise Irwin.

He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 31 years, Elizabeth "Betsy" Carlin Irwin; sons, Bill Irwin and wife, Liz, Mike Brady and wife, Wenda, and Steve Brady; daughters, Kim Irwin, Kelly and husband, Michael Wensley, Kathy and husband, Tom Marotta, Colleen and husband, Ed Carter, Jean Brady, Leslie Irwin and fiancé, Charlie Gomez, Susan Irwin, and 22 grandchildren. He is further survived by sisters, Ella Jane Ollarek, Willa Vene Clark of Maine, Nancy Schultz, Kaye Lee Irwin, and Jackie Irwin. Innumerable nieces and nephews also survive him.

Friends may call at the Dusckas-Martin Funeral Home, Inc., 4216 Sterrettania Rd., on Wednesday from 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. and are invited there on Thursday at 12:45 p.m. for prayers followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Andrew RC Church, 1116 W. 7th St. at 1:30 p.m. Interment Calvary Cemetery.