John K. Irwin

John K. Irwin, known to his friends as Jack, passed away peacefully on Monday evening, November 23, 2015, in Newport Hospital, with his wife, Karyne Wilner, at his side. Since 1995, Jack owned and operated Forest Park Mobile Homes and the Redwood Management Company. Born on February 5, 1942 in Pittsburgh, PA, he was the son of the late John K. and Jeannette Irwin. Jack graduated from Langley High School in Pittsburgh, PA in 1959 and from Yale University, with a degree in economics, class of 1963, a member of Davenport College. He served in the US Army Reserves as a First Lieutenant, Field Artillery, receiving an honorable discharge in 1975. Prior to owning Forest Park Mobile Homes, Jack worked for McMichael Yacht Brokers Limited In Mamaroneck, NY, as a consultant to the banking industry in New York City, and in corporate management and real estate in Boston MA and Newport, RI. Jack's numerous hobbies included sailing, photography, reading, and contract bridge. He enjoyed auto racing in Seekonk, baseball in Pawtucket, and was an avid fan of Nascar and the Boston Celtics. In the past he was a member of the American Contract Bridge League and Race Committee Chair of the Ida Lewis Yacht Club. Recently he hosted an exchange student from China for her junior year, Jiaming Li, who attended Portsmouth High School.Jack generously contributed to Waterfire in Providence and to The Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra. He was a member of First Unitarian Church of Providence and active in the church's small group ministry program.He is survived by his loving wife Karyne and his daughter Nicole, both who are grateful to have had an opportunity to experience his kindness, love, loyalty, and wisdom. He leaves his brother Jim Irwin of Canandaigua, New York and his sister Janice Wagner of Wadsworth, Ohio. The uncle of Steve, Linda, Joyce, and Rusty, and great uncle of Jenny and JJ, he enjoyed sharing with them at many family get-togethers. A devoted husband, father, son, brother, and uncle, he will be missed by all including the family dog, Micah.Jack's large group of friends and colleagues are spread out geographically, but he has kept close ties with them from childhood through adulthood. Relationships with people from high school, college, and the business community have added color and beauty to his life. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Rhode Island Philharmonic, 667 Waterman Ave, East Providence, RI 02914 or to Waterfire Providence, 101 Regent Ave. #2, Providence, RI, 02909.A celebration of Jack's life will be held in the spring when the days get longer and brighter and the boating season begins.Loved his dogs, Kerri and Micah