Obituary of Harold R. Irish

Harold R. Irish, age 96 , formerly a 60 year resident of Lewiston, died Tuesday April 17, 2012 in the Beechwood Continuing Care in Getzville where he has been a resident since 2008. Harold was born December 18, 1915 in Niagara Falls, NY, the son of the late Ralph and Beulah (Bryning) Irish. He was a 1934 graduate of DeVeaux School in Niagara Falls, and went to the New Mexico Military Institute in Roswell, NM for 2 years. He started working at Carborundum Co. in 1936 and after several years went to work at General Abrasives in Niagara Falls. Harold retired as Assistant Director of Marketing and Shipping in 1990. He married his 1st wife, Mary Elizabeth (Richardson) on December 24, 1940. Mary died April 28, 1973. He married Mary Elizabeth "Betty" (McCarthy) Burley on September 21, 1973 and she predeceased him on July 22, 2004. Harold was a longtime member of St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Lewiston where he had served as a Vestryman, Treasurer, and on the Building Committee. Harold had also had attended St. Peter's RC Church in Lewiston. He had served on the Lewiston Porter School Board and the Village of Lewiston in various capacities for several years. He was a member of the Lewiston Senior Citizens as well. He enjoyed playing bridge, dancing and traveling, haven taken 23 cruises. He is survived by a daughter, Lynette (Charles) Spencer of Vermillion, SD; a son: Thomas H. (Lynndell) Irish of Danbury, CT; a step daughter, Brenda L. (Thomas) Crowe of Lockport; a brother, S. Lee (late Eleanor) Irish of Huntley, IL; and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was predeceased by a step son, Ronald Burley. A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, April 21, at 10:00 AM in the HARDISON FUNERAL HOME, N. Fourth & Ridge Sts., Lewiston. Interment will follow in Cold Springs Cemetery, Lockport. There will be no prior visitation. Flowers are gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to Beechwood Continuing Care, 2235 Millersport Hwy., Getzville, NY 14068. Please celebrate his life when you are with someone who knew him; raise your glass in Harold's honor and memory!