Orchard Park: (716) 675-9027
Tribute Wall
Plant a tree in memory of Patrick
An environmentally friendly option
3 tree(s) planted in memory of Patrick Irwin
Anonymous
purchased flowers for the family of Patrick Irwin. Send Flowers
Guaranteed hand delivery by a local florist
Loading...
A
Anonymous planted a tree in memory of Patrick Irwin
Wednesday, January 7, 2026
//s3.amazonaws.com/skins.funeraltechweb.com/tribute-store/memorial-tree.jpg
Dear Irwin Family,Sending thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. Uncle Pat will be greatly missed. This is in memory of him. Join in honoring their life - plant a memorial tree
Please wait
M
Mary Perschy posted a condolence
Saturday, January 3, 2026
Pat Irwin will be remembered as a gentle soul, with a large heart. He graciously interacted with people, and generously shared his time caring for and beautifying his South Buffalo neighborhood.
As he joins with his mom, Mike, cousins, and others, who have gone before him, may he rest in peace..
Mary Kelly Perschy, cousin
6
The family of Patrick K. Irwin uploaded a photo
Wednesday, December 31, 2025
/tribute-images/1476/Ultra/Patrick-Irwin.jpg
Please wait
T
Terry Dunford posted a condolence
Tuesday, December 30, 2025
Pat was a proud Irish American who grew up with his brothers (next door to my grandparents and Dad) on Athol Street in South Buffalo.
When I first met him as a young boy, he regaled me with stories of pranks that he and his brothers used to pull on the “hallowed” ground where we stood. He later shared how those pranks (sometimes involving water hoses) “inadvertently” found their way through an open window next to which my grandfather happened to be seated! His laughter when telling these tales was whimsical and gave the uninitiated like me a look inside the kind soul that Pat Irwin was.
In the subsequent years, our family watched him on Channel 4 as he reported on the various goings-on in the Queen City of the Lakes. He was a steady presence whose straightforward delivery provided a no-nonsense report on the major issues of the day.
Pat’s journalistic career included the full gamut of what a TV journalist in the 20th century could achieve. He edited film (and later video), reported from the streets, sat in the anchor chair and wrote and produced newscasts. Later in his TV career, he took over the most powerful position in a newsroom: he sat at the editor’s desk. That meant that he alone was responsible for the content that appeared that evening. His integrity and that of the news organization he worked for was on the line, and he did it well.
Later, as I embarked on my college career, our paths crossed again. This time he was teaching would-be journalists at Buffalo State College. As I dug into my own studies, Pat Irwin soon became my trusted journalistic mentor. And like a unique treasure found in an antique store, Pat became the professional “pearl” I needed to provide me with the knowledge from which to build a career.
I found his expertise, abilities and wisdom to be very unique. He didn’t teach in the ethereal realm. He was practical. He told his students, and then most importantly, he showed his students, how journalism “things” worked. From writing to interviewing, he provided clear cut lessons on journalistic impartiality.
His knowledge of broadcast law, which he freely shared, gave his students the rules of journalistic integrity to abide by in our careers that lied ahead. Pat’s insight and direction provided a keen understanding of journalism’s challenges. Most importantly, It also provided a framework from which to succeed.
His commitment to his community was genuine and unwavering. He was so proud and genuinely taken aback when his neighbors rallied to have his street named after him for his extensive beautification efforts: “Pat Irwin Way” on Harding Road. Over the years, the parkway-like street was meticulously maintained because of him, his efforts and his inspiration to others!
Looking back, it will be his perspective on life that I’ll miss the most. I visited him many times at his later career endeavor in Buffalo City Hall. He always presented a fresh perspective on the topic of the day. But it is his 1991 thoughts on what to rename Buffalo’s then “Pilot Field” that comes to the fore for me. He offered several suggestions to the Buffalo News. Then-reporter Donn Esmonde wrote about it.
The one that stuck out for me in the News' story went like this:
“PAT IRWIN FIELD, because it has a nice ring to it. All-American, like baseball, motherhood, apple pie and Chevrolet. Beer would be free.”
Pat, you did good, kid! You’ll be missed and may God give you heaven!
Terry Dunford
R
Robin Santuci posted a condolence
Tuesday, December 30, 2025
I will miss his smiling eyes. I really liked seeing him at the Saturday morning Masses, and have sorely missed him for the past few months. I am sorry to see that he has passed away, but I'm sure he will brighten up the Heavens with his smile. God bless his beautiful soul.
A
Anonymous purchased flowers
Tuesday, December 30, 2025
//d1uep5tseb3xou.cloudfront.net/content/images/thumbs/0015554_florists-choice-bouquet.jpeg
Anonymous
purchased the Designer's Choice Bouquet and planted a memorial tree for the family of Patrick Irwin.
Send Flowers
Please wait
A
Anonymous planted a tree in memory of Patrick Irwin
Tuesday, December 30, 2025
//s3.amazonaws.com/skins.funeraltechweb.com/tribute-store/memorial-tree.jpg
Please wait
N
Noemi Santiago posted a condolence
Tuesday, December 30, 2025
My condolences to his family. Prayers for strength for all through this tough time.
H
Heidi Kirker posted a symbolic gesture
Tuesday, December 30, 2025
//s3.amazonaws.com/skins.funeraltechweb.com/tribute-gestures/v2/roses.png
We are all going to miss Pat. The Island Streets in South Buffalo will not be the same without you! Our condolences to your family. Heidi & Barry Kirker (formerly Harding Rd neighbors and City co-worker from PVB)
A Memorial Tree was planted for Patrick Irwin
Monday, December 29, 2025
//s3.amazonaws.com/skins.funeraltechweb.com/tribute-store/memorial-tree.jpg
We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ the staff at Cannan Funeral Home Join in honoring their life - plant a memorial tree
Please wait
About Us
We are honored and privileged to be able to help families and are willing to do whatever it takes to meet your needs. What ever your faith, a traditional wake service or burial, cremation or memorial we will work within your budget to provide you with a service that will meet your expectations.
Orchard Park
James W. Cannan Funeral Home, Inc
3155 Orchard Park Road
Orchard Park, New York
14127
Tel: (716) 675-9027
[Get Directions]
Buffalo
James W. Cannan Funeral Home, Inc
2397 Seneca Street
Buffalo, New York
14210
Tel: (716) 822-1773
[Get Directions]