Ocala, Florida, November 20, 2025
News Summary
The community of Ocala, Florida is mourning the loss of W. Thomas Irwin, a respected veteran and banker who passed away on November 11, 2025. Known for his dedication to family, integrity, and love for golf, Thomas’s legacy will always be remembered. His life was marked by athletic achievements, a successful banking career, and cherished family moments, including his passion for the game of golf. Thomas will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Ocala, Florida Mourns the Loss of W. Thomas Irwin, Esteemed Veteran and Banker
It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of the passing of W. Thomas Irwin on November 11, 2025, in the sunny city of Ocala, Florida. At the time of his departure, he was lovingly surrounded by his wife, Carol, and their son, Brian. A man of many virtues, Thomas leaves behind a legacy filled with love, integrity, and commitment.
A Life Well Lived
Born on November 14, 1943, in Erie, Pennsylvania, Thomas was the son of William and Penny Irwin. Growing up, Thomas made quite a name for himself as a standout athlete at Academy High School, where he excelled in football, baseball, and wrestling. Graduating in 1962, his athletic journey was just the beginning of a remarkable life.
His sense of duty led him to join the United States Air Force immediately after high school, where he served with great dedication and distinction. During his service, Thomas earned multiple service and commendation awards, a testament to his hard work and commitment. He was honorably discharged as Airman 1st Class in 1969, marking the end of an important chapter in his life.
Banking Success and Community Contributions
Transitioning to civilian life, Thomas entered the world of banking, where he established a successful career. He worked at Union Bank, Mellon Bank, and Citizens Bank, steadily climbing the ranks to positions such as Branch Manager and Market Service Manager AVP. His dedication to his profession culminated in his retirement in 2002 after decades of service—a career that many would dream of achieving.
A Passion for Sports
Thomas didn’t just leave his love for sports behind in high school; he carried it through his whole life. A lifelong baseball fan, he was particularly devoted to the Cincinnati Reds. He played softball for his bank and also took on the role of coach for the women’s softball team, where his passion and love for the game shined brightly.
Retirement Adventures
After retiring, Thomas and Carol didn’t slow down. They traveled extensively, playing golf at various courses from Florida to Myrtle Beach and even beyond. One of Thomas’s most cherished memories was scoring a hole-in-one on Riverside #6 in Erie, an achievement that he’ll always be remembered for by his family and friends.
A Family Man
At the heart of all his accomplishments was his deep love for family. Thomas is survived by his devoted wife Carol and his son Brian Irwin, along with their faithful dog, Brittany. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother-in-law Daniel Schwartz, and sister-in-law Patricia Schwartz. Additionally, Thomas is survived by brother-in-law Frank Schwartz, sisters-in-law Diana Thies (married to Sam Rizzo) and Dee Schwartz, alongside many cherished nieces and nephews.
Legacy of Integrity and Warmth
Described as a man of quiet strength and enduring loyalty to his family, country, and career, Thomas leaves behind a legacy that will resonate in the hearts of those who knew him. His unwavering integrity and warmth touched many lives, and he will be greatly missed.
A private service was held in Ocala, Florida, to honor Thomas’s life. For those wishing to contribute in his memory, donations can be made to the Marion County Animal Shelter of Ocala or local animal shelters, reflecting his love for animals and community.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- GoErie: Obituaries
- Wikipedia: Obituary
- Legacy: Diane Castongue Obituary
- Google Search: W. Thomas Irwin
- Dignity Memorial: Constance Conrad Obituary
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Obituary
- Ocala Star Banner: Obituaries
- Google News: Ocala Florida news
- Legacy: Janet Knorr Obituary
- Google Scholar: Obituary
- Ocala News: Irwin W. Anderson
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
