Russell R. Irwin, 94, Hollidaysburg, died Saturday at UPMC Altoona.
He was born in Hollidaysburg, son of the late Russell J. and Barbara (Lomire) Irwin. He was married twice, first to Flora E. Shaffer, who died on April 26, 1978, and then to Mary Kathryn Davis, who preceded him in death in November 1992.
Surviving are the following family members: Pam Wales, Christine Irwin, Miranda Wales and Tristan Irwin; and extended family.
He was preceded in death by three sons: Stephen, Thomas and Patrick; and a grandson, Jason Irwin.
Russell was a 1939 graduate of Hollidaysburg High School, where he was a member of the 1938 football team, the first to go undefeated and untied. He also medaled in the long jump for the track team at the state competition. Russell also attended the University of Pittsburgh and was a 1950 graduate of St. Francis University, earning a Bachelor of Science. Russell was a WWII Army Air Corp veteran who served as a Tech Sergeant with 722 Bombardment Squadron Flying B24 Liberators as a top turret gunner, flying 50 missions. He earned the Distinguish Flying Cross, an Air Medal with two bronze oak leaf clusters, the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with five battle stars and the Good Conduct Medal.
Russell was a member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Altoona, Hollidaysburg VFW, American Legion Post 516, where he was the club steward and finance officer for 70 years, Knights of Columbus, St. Francis Alumni Association and a life member of Coalport VFW. Russell enjoyed sports and the simple things in life.
Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, March 1, 2016, at Plank, Stitt & Stevens Funeral Home, 421 Montgomery St., Hollidaysburg, where a vigil for the deceased will be held. A funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, March 2, 2016, at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church by Monsignor Michael Becker. Committal will be at Greenlawn Cemetery, Hollidaysburg.
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