Mr. Irish was born Aug. 1, 1954, in Buffalo, to Elton and Jenny Dennis Irish. He attended Burgard Vocational High School in Buffalo. He later served in the U.S. Army from 1972 to 1973. On March 10, 1979, in Little Genesee, he married Kathy L. Williams, who survives.
Donald worked at Allegany Arc in Wellsville for many years. He previously had worked for Independent Tree Service in Wellsville as a logger.
In addition to his wife of 37 years, Don is survived by three daughters, Mandi Swanson of Friendship, Shawna (Ben) Helms and Donielle (Lyle) Champlin, both of Bolivar; five brothers, Ronnie (Shirley) Irish of Tonawanda, Herbert (Amy) Irish of Glendale, Ariz., Robert (Karen) Irish of Jamestown, James Irish of Buffalo and Patrick (Wendy) Irish of Ohio; three sisters, Wanita Krampen of Buffalo, Sandy (Terry) Payne of Connecticut and Karen of Arizona; four grandchildren, Darien Champlin, Lakoda Champlin, Jefferey Champlin and Jameson Irish; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was predeceased by a sister, Jenny Hinman; one granddaughter, Taeler Irish; and a grandson, Jakson Dimpfl.
Don was a self-identified homebody. He enjoyed the simple pleasures of spending family time with his wife, children and grandchildren. He was known to be quite the jokester and enjoyed the thrill of pulling one over on his unsuspecting subject. Don was a devout Christian and enjoyed his time studying the Bible.
There will be a time of visitation from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday (Feb. 16, 2017) at Baker-Swan Funeral Home, 3256 Riverside Drive, Wellsville. The funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home immediately following the visitation, with the Rev. Bill Sylor of Genesis Bible Church, Scio, officiating. Burial, with full military honors, will take place at 2 p.m. Friday in Bath National Cemetery.
Online condolences may be offered at www.baker-swan.com. Memorial contributions in Don's name may be made to Family Life Network, P.O. Box 506, Bath, NY 14810.
