Archpriest Joseph Henry Irvin fell asleep in the Lord on January 13, 2021, from complications arising from COVID-19. He was born on October 20, 1942, to Joseph Alphonse and Naomi Ade Irvin.
Father Joseph spent his younger years traveling the world in a military family. As a Coast Guard Academy cadet, he learned to love the sea. He raised his young family in Niantic, CT, where sailing, seagulls, and the ocean were never far away. While in Niantic, the family met Holly, their first St. Bernard. Father Joseph carried that love with him throughout the rest of his life and was never without a St. Bernard dog again.
Father Joseph’s secular career was diverse and led him eventually to the Orthodox Church and to the priesthood. Father Joseph joined the Orthodox Church at Saint Nicholas Orthodox Church, Norwich, CT, in 1987, and then, a few years later began his formal theological studies. Father Joseph was ordained to the priesthood in November 1989 at Saint Tikhon’s Orthodox Theological Seminary, South Canaan, PA. He was a humble servant and priest of the people, always caring for others with a sacred duty. Father Joseph served a number of parishes in Pennsylvania and New England, and served as a supply priest in the Connecticut Deanery. Later, he cherished his many years as a retired priest attached to All Saints Orthodox Church, Hartford, CT. He was humbled and honored to serve as a priest of the Orthodox Church in America.
Father Joseph loved road trips with his family. He was fiercely proud of his daughters and grandchildren. He will be remembered for his mischievous grin, the twinkle in his eye, his contemplative thoughts, and everlasting presence in the deepest part of our hearts.
He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Matushka Rosalie (Delphy) Irvin, his daughters Tiffany Quinn and husband Steve, Tara Filip and husband Gary, his grandchildren Ryan Quinn, wife Kendra and great granddaughter Isla; Shannon Quinn and Tim Foley; Brendan Quinn and Samantha Camardo, and his brother Mike Irvin.
Due to the health concerns with COVID-19, Father Joseph’s funeral and burial will will be limited to closest family and friends. For those who wish to pray at Father Joseph’s gravesite, his burial will take place in Parish Cemetery of Saint Nicholas Orthodox Church, Norwich, CT. A future larger gathering is planned after the pandemic.
Memorial donations in honor of Father Joseph can be sent to All Saints Orthodox Church, 205 Scarborough Street, Hartford, CT 06105.
May Father Joseph’s memory be eternal!