William Irwin

HAMPDEN - W. Russell Irwin, 89, residing briefly at Winterberry Heights, Bangor, ME, left his earthly journey to join the love of his life, S. Eileen (Kostenbader) Irwin on June 10, 2025, after a years-long battle with pulmonary fibrosis. Russ, born July 25, 1935, grew up in Monroe County, Pennsylvania and graduated from Stroudsburg High School in 1953. Following graduation, Russ went on to major in Dairy Manufacturing at Delhi Agriculture and Technical Institute, Delhi, New York before beginning his career as a Plant Manager at the family business, Penn Dell Dairy and later Pocono Mountain Dairies. In the 70's Russ tested his entrepreneurial spirit with Dip & Go Ice Cream stores that were a spin-off of his career in the dairy industry. Russ made small batch homemade ice cream, and the rest of the family held various roles in the business. Later, Russ went to work for Ireland Coffee Company as a General Sales Manager until his retirement.

Russ and Eileen married and settled in East Stroudsburg, PA and raised three children. In April of 2022, they celebrated 65 years of marriage. Throughout their life together they enjoyed many trips to Florida, Presidential Libraries, and to the U.S. National Parks. In 2005, with son, Rob they moved to Hampden, Maine.

Russ had a long, full life. During his working years he enjoyed bowling, golf, and NASCAR racing including 31 trips to the Daytona 500. Russ was a roadside and diner enthusiast. Known as a "billboard warrior" he was a member of the Monroe County Safe 80 Signage Committee, a group created to eliminate illegal signs that were seen as unsightly litter contaminating the natural beauty of the Pocono Mountains. Russ made a cameo appearance in Will Anderson's book: Lost Diners and Roadside Restaurants of New England and New York by figuring out where a place called Rose Garden was located.

As a young man, Russ was a member of The United States Junior Chamber, "Jaycees", he served as president of the local chapter where he was honored with a Jaycee Senatorship and was elected to the position of National Director for PA. Russ was a 63-year member of Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks, E. Stroudsburg Lodge #319 where he served as Exalted Ruler. After his retirement, Russ mowed the athletic fields in Smithfield Township.

In Maine, Russ volunteered at St. John's Episcopal Church where he shared his many handyman and woodworking gifts. He swam regularly at the Laura Hoit Pool in Hampden and became a member of the Friday morning ROMEOS (Retired Old Men Eating Out). Russ enjoyed creating artistic pens on a lathe and made other small wooden utilitarian crafts. Russ had an extensive list of friends and relatives with whom he was in constant contact via e-mail. As his disease progressed, and it became increasingly more difficult for him to get out and about these communications kept him engaged and amused.

Russ is survived by his two daughters: C. Lynn and her husband Michael of Hilton Head Island, SC, Kim A. and her husband Patrick of Veazie, ME and son, Robert of Hampden, ME; five grandchildren; eleven great grandchildren; niece, nephews and cousins. In addition to his parents and wife, Russ was predeceased by a sister, Roberta "Bobbie" Hummel.

Russ's daughters are extremely grateful to the Wintergreen Court and Avalon Village neighbors for the care and attention they gave to Russ and Rob since our mother's death.

A private service was held for the immediate the family and interment will be in the columbarium at Christ Church Stroudsburg, PA. Share a memory of Russ or send a condolence to the family at SimpleCremationofMaine.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph Foundation/ Hospice Care https://stjosephbangor.org/support-st-joseph/make-a-gift-today/

Please type: W. Russell Irwin/ Hospice in the comment section.