PAUL V. IRZINSKI

Paul Valentine Irzinski, 88, passed away peacefully on January 6, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. A devoted father, grandfather, and pillar of the community, he was the heart of our family, offering unconditional love, strength, and wisdom. He had a remarkable gift for making everyone feel special while inspiring us to strive for personal and professional success. Known for his humor, passion for gardening, and unwavering support of all whom he came in contact with, he was our source of guidance and joy. He leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories that will forever live in our hearts.

A lifelong resident of Hanover Township, Paul was born on July 2, 1936, in Hanover Green to the late Sophia (Sinitsky) and Paul Irzinski. He was the sixth of seven children, lovingly named after infant twin brothers who died before his birth. Paul was preceded in death by his sisters Ann Vincent and Kay Stankiewicz and brother Edward Irzinski.

Paul graduated from Hanover High School in 1954 and earned a degree in speech correction and secondary education from Bloomsburg State Teachers College. He pursued postgraduate studies at Penn State University, University of Scranton, and Lehigh University, where he advanced his expertise in clinical speech and psychology. His illustrious career spanned more than 50 years, including pioneering special education programs in northeast Pennsylvania, serving as Director of Special Education for Luzerne County Intermediate Unit 18, working as a psychological consultant for non-public schools and adjunct instructor at Wilkes University and Luzerne County Community College.

Beyond his professional achievements, Paul was husband to Marilyn (Rollo) Irzinski, with whom he would have celebrated 66 years of marriage this February. He took immense pride in his family, including his five children, thirteen grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. He will be profoundly missed by his wife; children Marilyn Jane Namey (Neal), Donna Wenz (Robert), Linda Yurkoski (James), Paul (Betsy), and Lisa Yurkoski (Jerome); grandchildren Laurie Namey, Erica Hess (Cameron), Maura Kalman (Greg), Alyssa Gutsie (Ryan), David Irzinski, Robert Wenz, Brittany Mattei (Steve), Brandon Wenz, Christa Barata (Carlos), John Yurkoski, Alexa De Leon (Ryan), Jacob Yurkoski, and Amanda Yurkoski; and great-grandchildren Ayden Kalman, Katerina Kirk, Aria Gutsie, Frederick Paul Hess, and Luke Mattei and his brother, Stanley Irzinski, Delaware and many loving nieces and nephews.

Paul’s life was defined by his love of family and his commitment to serving others. His humor, wisdom, and dedication will leave a legacy in the lives he touched and the Hanover Township community he cherished.

Private services will be under the direction of Lehman Funeral Home, Wilkes-Barre.

Donations, in lieu of flowers, can be made in his honor to Hospice of the Sacred Heart of Moosic, www.hospicesacredheart.org.