John Howard Irwin III, 71, of Nova, passed away Thursday evening, January 4, 2018 at University Hospitals Samaritan Medical Center.
John was born in Altoona, Pennsylvania on August 13, 1946 and was the son of John H. II and Anna June (Estep) Irwin. He has been a resident of Ashland County for close to 40 years moving here from Elyria, Ohio.
John was a graduate of North Ridgeville High School class of 1965. He was a veteran of the United States Navy serving during the Vietnam War as a radioman aboard the U.S.S. Horne.
Following his service in the Navy, John returned home and furthered his education to obtain an associate’s degree. He was employed by the Elyria School System where he taught Special Education classes for 20 years including many years at Edison School in Elyria.
John was very academic, and taught himself how to speak Greek and Aramaic. He also liked to refinish wood and do wood working, writing poetry, listening to classical music, was an avid reader and enjoyed farming.
On September 9, 1989 John was married to Jean H. Cellar who survives him. He is also survived by his children, John H. Irwin IV of Orlinda, TN; Jeremy (April) Irwin of Orlinda, TN. and their children Gavin & Wren Irwin: Larry White of Greenwich, and his children Dallas Bright and Mariah White; and Sarah Irwin of Elyria and her children Aiden and Tatum Fox; one sister Janet Irwin (Tom Saal) of Akron; and one brother, Joseph (Laural) Irwin of LaGrange, OH.
He was preceded in death by his parents and one daughter, Jozette Coleen White on January 26, 2011.
In keeping with John’s wishes there will be no calling hours. A family graveside service will be held at 3:00 p.m. Friday January 12, 2018 at the Logan Valley Cemetery in Bellwood, PA. with his son Larry White officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to the family in care of the Denbow-Gasche Funeral Home 313 Center St. Ashland, Ohio 44805.
Condolences may be made to the family by visiting denbowfh.com
Denobw-Gasche Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.