Hugh Emmett Irwin, age 98, passed away peacefully on February 6th, with loved ones beside him at home. He was born October 2, 1922 at Highland Hospital in Rochester. As part of the greatest generation, Hugh’s life was defined by the Great Depression, as a Marine fighter pilot in WWII and Korea, and as a businessman working for Eastman Kodak Company in sales and marketing. He was a loving husband of 67 years to his beloved wife Margo (Margaret Hawkins Irwin), who predeceased him by 11 months, ensuring that they never spent a Valentine’s Day apart. Together they brought five children into the world: Kathryn (Fred) Celentano, Christine Biasetti, Jesse (Sue) Irwin, Amy (Lanse) Toth and Alison (Peter) Jameson. He was grandfather to 21 grandkids and great grandfather to 20 great grandkids with a 21st great granddaughter arriving one day after his death and twin great granddaughters expected this summer. He was very pleased to see the many offspring in the generations that followed him, often quoting Psalm 128:6 that he was blessed to see his children’s children’s children.
A native of Chili, Hugh began schooling in the town’s “District No. 2”, a one room schoolhouse with 35 students in grades 1-8. His boyhood was filled with outdoor adventure including hunting, fishing, trapping and helping out as a farmhand at the Zuber farm with his school chums Vic and Vincent. He also had a paper route when the daily was a penny and the Sunday edition two cents. He collected 10 cents a week from his customers and the extra two cents was his pay! No wonder that he was still telling his children “A penny saved is a penny earned” decades later. He graduated from Madison High School in 1941 and then attended Denison University in Granville, Ohio, alma mater for his siblings Donald and Grace also. At Denison, he was a member of Beta Theta, played football, and was a captain of the track team. At the onset of WWII and during his sophomore year, Hugh enlisted in the Navy V-5 Flight Program and went on to receive his Navy Wings and commission as a Second Lieutenant USMCR upon graduation from the Naval Air Station in Pensacola, Florida.
As a Marine fighter pilot in the F4U Corsair, Irwin flew 100 plus missions in the Pacific theater. His closest brush with death came when a 500-pound bomb failed to release during a routine mission and detonated as he landed, blowing his plane in half but miraculously sparing his life. He then spent two months recovering in what he called “hammock duty” before he resumed flying two months later on Okinawa. When hostilities with Japan ended, he was released from active duty and returned to Denison where he was elected President of the “D” Association, Omicron Delta Kappa Men’s honorary society and senior class before graduation in 1948. He was hired that year by Kodak, but after being promoted to Captain he was recalled to serve again with the 1st Marine Air Wing in Korea. Before leaving however, he and Margo would marry in April 1952, after knowing each other just 3 months! Again, released from active duty in 1953 he was transferred to the Retired Reserve. Because he did not ever receive discharge papers, Irwin would comment that the “Once a Marine, always a Marine” slogan was certainly true in his case. Among his decorations, Irwin received a Presidential Unit Citation, the Asiatic Pacific Campaign medal with three stars, the Korean Service medal with one star, the Korean Presidential Unit Commendation Ribbon, the Philippine Liberation medal, the Philippine Republic Presidential Unit Citation, six Strike/Flight medals, two distinguished flying crosses, and the New York State Conspicuous Service Cross with five stars.
In his later years, Hugh would attend several air show gatherings honoring the Corsair and the few remaining pilots, even getting one more chance, in his 90’s, to fly in a two seater and take over the controls from the lead pilot. These gatherings grew into a correspondence with some of these pilots, and Hugh was the last of them. More recently, Hugh became a favorite at the National War Plane Museum in Geneseo, NY. In 2018, he was honored by the dedicating of a 3/4 scale Corsair in his name. The plane, owned by Jodi Beyer, a museum volunteer and historical interpreter known as Rosie the Riveter by her fans, is used for shows and parades and now bears Hugh’s name, rank and active duty details, as well as his service nickname “Yogi”.
After Korea, Irwin returned to Kodak and held various marketing positions in Atlanta and Rochester before retiring in 1983. Retirement activities included hunting, fishing, gardening, golf, travel, and following grandchildren’s sports. As a longtime member of Locust Hill Country Club, his only claim to golf prowess was carding 3 holes-in-one on the course’s fifteenth hole. Hugh’s life was truly remarkable and filled with many adventures and achievements, but at heart he was a simple farm boy who loved the Lord and loved spending as much time as possible enjoying His creation with the people he loved. His backyard pool was the gathering place for his large family and the many resulting offspring. Daily pool laps in the summer and his basement gym (including a homemade barbell with concrete filled paint cans) kept Dad in amazing physical condition for his years. He loved to sing, especially hymns, with a wonderful tenor voice and on his last day his children sang his favorite hymns to him as he was fading. From a journal page entitled “Important lessons you’ve learned in life” Hugh listed the following: *Trust in God as your Lord and Savior, *Honor your father and your Mother, and *Tell the Truth (and the truth will set you free).
The family would like to thank the many people who served Mom and Dad over the course of their lives together. One of Dad’s goals was to remember the names of those who cared for them. You may be among those who were amazed that a month after meeting you for the first time, he called you by name. That wasn’t by accident but showed the respect he had for the people he met throughout his many life’s journeys. Each of you who knew Dad were also known by him in a special way so again, as a family, we say “Thank You” for sharing in our Dad’s life in your own special way.
And in the meantime, we salute you Captain Irwin – Semper Fi!
My condolences to the many surviving members of the Hugh Irwin family. I knew him best as a fellow bowler in the KORC league for many years. He is reunited with his co-creator of the extensive family. What a legacy. Semper Fi.
My heart and prayers go out to the entire Irwin family in the loss of their father. As a friend of Christine’s, I know he will be greatly missed by all, but forever present in their hearts. I really only knew him through Christine and her wonderful love for him. She was always so proud of him as a honorable, fun and loving person. I aways enjoyed hearing her stories and history about his life. Thank you Mr. Irwin for your wonderful family and Military service. May you rest in peace along side your loving wife, Christine’s mom.
What an inspiration! The Irwin Family has a very rich heritage. Praise God! My condolences to the precious extensive family and his friends.
We first met as fraternity brothers at Denison University…….
and I have cherished our close friendship for 78 years. I express my heartfelt condolences to the wonderful family. The departure of this remarkable and exemplary man from this life leaves a very large and regrettable empty space. It is comforting to know he and Margo are now reunited in Heaven.
What an amazing person! So much greatness in all his memories, wisdom, and legacies! Thoughts and prayers xo
Not many men will be remembered so cherished and loved. Grandpa Irwin was an inspiration and will be truly missed!
Deepest condolences to the Irwin children. I worked for your Dad as his secretary in Consumer Markets Division from 1969 to 1983 when he retired. He was a very kind gentleman to be associated with, and I am so fortunate to have known him and your Mother. I so enjoyed working with him. I will miss receiving his Christmas card with his personal handwritten note to my husband and myself.
Alyson and family~What a beautiful tribute to an extraordinary man, who raised an extraordinary family. Carry on his noble traditions of love of family, service of others and faith in the Lord. Peace and sending prayers for comfort.
My deepest condolences to the Irwin family. I knew Hugh from Locust Hill and he helped me for several years as a Marshal Captain during the LPGA Tournaments.
He was one of the kindest and helpful persons I ever knew. As a private pilot, during some pilot gatherings I tell his story of landing with a 500 pound bomb hanging off the bottom of the Corsair. I am honored to have known him and to be considered a friend. Rest in peace Marine.
To all the Irwin family, we send our thoughts and prayers your way at this difficult time. Hugh and Margo leave their beautiful family behind to carry on all they taught their children, in-laws, grandchildren and great-grandchildren about being kind and loving to people that pass through their lives. Hugh was alway smiling. Such an interesting man with many stories to share. He will be missed. I’m sure Margo was happy to see him. Rest In Peace….love to all the family from Maggie, Scott and Greg Jameson
I cannot read this without coming away with a smile and a warm loving feeling. Peace and happiness to all of Hugh’s family. Live your lives by he and Margo’s great examples and life/love doesn’t get any better. Jesse Irwin is one of the nicest people I’ve ever met in all of my travels and we know this certainly came via his mom and dad. Jesse is my friend from high school and Locust Hill CC where we battled aplenty on the golf course. That darn 15th hole! I came so close but Hugh still leads me 3 – 0 for holes in one!! What a life what a legacy and thank you sir for your service and your grand example.
JESSE and Family,What a wonderful man Hugh was. I had the privilege/ pleasure of multiple conversations with him several years ago.His warmth and kindness was so obvious. He now joins your Mom in eternity where there is no more pain,hurt or earthly concerns. God Bless them…
A terrific guy. Always happy to see you. He will be missed.
I was very fortunate to meet Hugh and Margo at LHCC. Hugh and I swapped some stories about the Marine Corps. I did see the picture of Hugh after his carrier landing when the 500 pound bomb was released. I also had the pleasure of playing golf with Hugh a number of times at LHCC. We always paid attention to his drives, especially on hole number 15. Hugh was a role model for all of us. Semper Fi !!!!
Although I haven’t seen Margo or Hugh in years-as a friend of Alison’s-they Always welcomed me into their home on 3 High Oaks Dr!! I even think Aly threw me a birthday party 🥳 there in the kitchen. Many a slumber parties were had. I’m sure Margo & Hugh had to bite their tongues at our late night chattering! I always felt loved and welcomed at the Irwin Home 🏡
Now both Hugh and Margo are running together down the streets of gold praising their Savior 🙏🧖🏼♂️🧖🏼🌟
Blessings & Peace to all, Diane (Loetzer) Patterson
I am sooooo very sorry to read of your family’s loss. Uncle Hugh and your mom were always so sweet when I talked to them on the phone. My deepest sympathies and prayers are with you.
Uncle Hugh’s warm gentle spirit, a perfect complement to aunt Margo’s loving hilarious personality, was a highlight of our visits to Rochester and Atlanta and Grand Rapids when we were growing up. He was the last of that generation of our beloved parents and elders and represents them in my heart as I say goodbye, God speed, and bon voyage. As I’ve shared before, I imagine them all reunited again with a loud and joyous celebration, and the other angels rolling their eyes and complaining about the rowdy Hawkins-Irwin clan making so much noise. To that I’d say, too bad and get used to it…
So much love, aching sadness, and tearful joy.
Steve
I had the Honor of meeting Mr. Irwin in 2013 when I interviewed him for the Library of Congress. I enjoyed hearing of his experiences when he was in the military and I am thrilled that those stories will live forever in the Library of Congress. My heartfelt condolences go to his beautiful family, whom he was so very proud of.
Cindy Rickett
Peace blessings and deep prayers of condolences to the gigantic Irwin Clan at this difficult time. A life well lived by this Beloved Soul is an understatement. As a classmate of Allison’s and as the paper delivery person in 78’ I had the pleasure and honor of meeting him and his lovely wife and chatting on occasion. I am grateful so many offspring had the incredible and many blessings he provided as the Patriarch for so long. May the entire family be consoled and forever enriched by the many wonderful memories he created with you all.
Just learned of his passing. My belated condolences to the family. Hugh was a big help as I wrote VMO/VMF-251’s history during WW2. Semper Fi, Marine! It was published in 2016.