FRANKLIN “FRANK” IRWIN

Age 100 of Chardon Twp., unexpectedly died Friday, December 22, 2023 at UH Geauga Medical Center, Claridon Twp. Frank was born June 9, 1923 in Freeport, OH to Charles Denver and Viola Belle (nee: Carpenter) Irwin. He enjoyed life to the fullest and especially in his retirement years. He worked several different places in his younger years and in 1948 he was employed by the Massillon Evening Independent, and there he met his wife Jackie “Bunny” Irwin. He was a Lynotype operator and then got a job at the former Cleveland Press. He married Jackie “Bunny” in  Massillon on April 13, 1960. They bought a  home in Cleveland and lived there until 1967. They then bought a home in Chardon and lived there until his death.

He loved school, he was a lifelong learner having read the Encyclopedia from beginning to end. Frank could spell every word he was asked and knew the definitions. He also read a lot of books, wrote short stories, poems, (some funny and some romantic). He made crossword  puzzles and kept a journal from the time he was 12 years old. Gardening also kept him busy and he and Bunny enjoyed the Cleveland Indians, watching the games. They also enjoyed Chardon High School football games for many years.

Frank is survived by his wife of 63 years, Jacqueline “Bunny” (nee: DeBos) Irwin; daughters,  Rosalita (George “Gil”) Rowe, Sharon (Ed) McKenzie; son James (Sharon) Irwin; grandsons Mark and Bruce McKenzie and Christopher and John Irwin; step grandsons George Hissa and John Wilson; great grandchildren Kimberly, Nathan, Ian and Ivan, and great great grandchildren Mary Ann and Rayleigh. He was preceeded in death by his parents and his step daughter, Barbara “Barb” Thomas.

The family will host a gathering to see family and friends on Thursday, December 28, 2023 at the Burr Funeral Home, 116 South Street, Chardon from 2:00 to 5:00 P.M. Private family burial will be at Larned Cemetery, Chardon Twp.