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Friday, January 4, 2019

Obituary: Kenneth Thomas Irwin, 89, Portageville


Portageville - Kenneth Thomas Irwin of 11659 County Road 27 died Wednesday, January 2, 2019 in his home. He was born on April 11, 1929 in Sherburne, a son of the late William and Edith Lodge Irwin. On April 1, 1951 in Wiscoy he married Norma Jeanne Mills who survives.He was a graduate of Norwich High School, class of 1946. Ken then served in the United States Army during the Korean War from December 1950 to September of 1952 with the 51st Signal Battalion. During his service he obtained the rank of Staff Sergeant and served as his company's First Sergeant for 14 months before returning to the U.S.Ken was employed in Electrical Construction starting in 1946 until he retired in 1991 serving in all areas of New York State, Ohio and Illinois. His employment included work as a Line Foreman from 1955 to 1959, then as a General Foreman and occasionally Superintendent from 1959 to 1991. During his entire 45 years he was a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and now stands as a 70 year member. He was also a former insurance agent and a former Real Estate agent. Ken loved serving his community and belonged and served on many other organizations which include, Western New York Quarterhorse Club serving as the director and past president, a past president of the Empire State Quarterhorse Association, member and treasurer of Wiscoy-Rossburg United Methodist church, member of Oriona-Grove Masonic Lodge #229 since 1963 and Master of the Lodge several times, appointed District Deputy Grand Master for the Allegany District from 1975 to 1976, member of the Grand Lodge Committee on Masonic Education from 1976 to 1982, a 32nd Degree Mason and member of Corning Consistory. He was a member, past patron and former treasurer of the Order of the Eastern Star, District Grand Lecturer of the Allegany District in 1993 and Grand Patron of the Order of the Eastern Star State of New York in 1997.He was a life member of the Dee Victor Thomas post 1155 of the American Legion and Allegany County Commander of the American Legion from 1996 to 1997 and a life member of the VFW Post # 2721 of Cuba. President of the Fillmore Rotary Club in 1997 and a former treasurer. A former member and treasurer of the Wiscoy-Rossburg Volunteer Fire Department and former member of the Fillmore Central School board for 15 years, serving as Vice President for 10 of the 15 years.  Surviving in addition to his wife are their daughters, Julie Frazier of Fillmore, Barbara (Ben) Greene of East Koy, six grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, his siblings, Mildred White of Morrisville, Richard (Patricia) Stott of Norwich, Beverley (Donald) Burrows of Florida and several nieces and nephews.In addition to his parents he was predeceased by a son Robert Irwin, three brothers, Carroll, Raymond, William and two sisters, Jane and Shirley.A private graveside service with Military Honors provided by the Dee Victor Thomas post 1155 of Fillmore will be held in Alger Cemetery, Fillmore.A private celebration of life will be held at the convenience of the family.Memorials if desired to: Allegany County Hospice or the Wiscoy-Rossburg Fire Company.