Larry B. “Fonz” Irwin

SKOWHEGAN – Larry B. “Fonz” Irwin, 85, of Skowhegan, Maine, passed away peacefully on April 22, 2026, with his family by his side.

Born on Nov. 8, 1940, Larry was the son of Donald and Lois Irwin. He graduated from Skowhegan Area High School in 1959 and immediately enlisted in the United States Army, proudly serving for two years, including time stationed in Alaska.

On July 3, 1965, he married the love of his life, Theresa (Poirier) Irwin. Together they shared 59 years of marriage and had one daughter. Their life together was centered on family, laughter, and shared adventures.

Larry dedicated much of his working life to his community. He was employed at Farmington Shoe for 20 years before continuing his career at Skowhegan Area High School, where he worked for 18 years until his retirement in 2002. He was also a lifelong member of the Elks Lodge in Skowhegan.

A passionate athlete and sports enthusiast, Larry was a proud part of Skowhegan’s football legacy and was inducted into the 1950s Hall of Fame. His love of sports extended far beyond his playing days—he enjoyed football, basketball, baseball, and golf, spent years playing and coaching summer softball for Gifford’s Dairy, and cherished time on the golf course with friends.

Larry found great joy in life’s simple pleasures. He and Theresa enjoyed summer bus trips together, and he especially treasured time spent with his family and friends. Whether it was weekly breakfasts with his buddies, afternoons with his great-grandsons, competitive games of cribbage with his daughter (where he was proudly leading 18–16 this year), or sharing old stories with his granddaughter and her husband. Larry was happiest when surrounded by those he loved. His quick wit, sense of humor, and larger-than-life personality made him unforgettable. To know him was to love him.

He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Theresa Irwin; his parents, Donald and Lois Irwin; his brother, James Irwin, and his sister, Dianna Mitchell.

Larry is survived by his daughter, Jacqueline Varney; his granddaughter, Alexandra Harding and her husband Dean, along with their four sons; his grandson, Bradley Locke and his wife and daughters; his brothers, Richard Irwin and Frederick Irwin and their families; friend and caretaker, Anne-Marie Towle; as well as many close and cherished friends.

A graveside service will be held on Friday, May 15, at 11 a.m. at Calvary Cemetery on North Avenue in Skowhegan. Following the service, the family will be holding a gathering at the Elks Lodge in Skowhegan.

Larry will be deeply missed, and his memory will live on in the hearts of those who loved him.