Robert John Irvine

On August 1, 2025, Robert John Irvine left his earthly body and gained his eternal spot in heaven. Robert was born October 25, 1938 in Towanda Pennsylvania. Robert, Bob, Bobby, or RJ - no matter how you referred to him - was compassionate, had an amazing work ethic & deep patriotism, and rarely said no when asked to help with anything. Bob spent his first 11 years living on the family farm in Liberty Corners with his parents and siblings. At 11, he left home to work on the Frank Bride farm. Bob worked on the farm until he graduated from Towanda High School with the class of 1956. After graduation, he enlisted into the U.S. Navy. During his Navy service, he was stationed in Lakehurst, NJ before earning the honor to join the first crew of the USS Independence when it was commissioned into service. The ship was stationed off of Cuba and NYC for most of Bob’s time in the service. He was very proud of his service to his country and spent many hours over the past year sitting in his chair looking out the window at his Flag. After returning from the service, Bob worked for several years for Robert Houseweart hauling milk from local farms to the Elmira creamery. In July of 1963, Bob went to work at Penelec. He started in the supply room, became a well-respected lineman, and retired as the safety supervisor. After retirement, Bob helped his best buddy John Sullivan bail hay for a few years. He enjoyed this immensely and was always happy when on a tractor. Bob was the President of the Towanda Gun Club for many years. The Club was a place he went to relax and enjoy fellowship with many friends. He always said the Club’s annual clambake was the best. Bob was also a member of the Wysox Lodge #1152 Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Bob maintained the Odd Fellows building and the Macedonia Cemetery for over 20 years until his health would no longer allow it. All of the original crosses in the Macedonia Cemetery were constructed and placed by Bob. He took great pride in the appearance of the cemetery and honored all of the veterans who are buried there. Bob was a 50+ year member of the Union Royal Arch Masonic Temple, the Towanda American Legion, and the Monroeton Gun Club. Bob met the love of his life Marion Y. Miller Irvine when they were 5 years old. They fell in love while holding hands to see Santa at the court house in Towanda. They began their formal courtship at 16 and married on 06/22/1958. They recently celebrated 67 years of wedded bliss. During their marriage, they had one daughter, Terrie Lynn. Terrie Lynn will tell you she was the most blessed, loved and spoiled child in the world. Her childhood was filled with camping trips, vacations with her Aunt Janice, Uncle Denny and cousins - who are more like brother and sister - Thomas Dennis and Kathy Martin. Bob very rarely told Terrie no, and if she begged enough, those no’s became yeses. What a blessing to know as a parent that your child thinks you were the best and tells you often. Bob is survived by his beloved wife Marion Y. Irvine, daughter and son-in-law Terrie Lynn & Ralph Schoonover II, granddaughter Rebecca Zimmerman, grandson Cory Schoonover & fiancé Allen Wood, sister Marilyn Waluk, sisters-in-law Janice Dennis and Marlene Benjamin, brother-in-law and sister-n-law David & Susan Miller, and niece Nicole Miller Hurley & nephew Christopher Miller who were always treated more like his own children. He also is survived by many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and more friends that you can count. Bob is predeceased by his parents, Charles and Helen Irvine (Bishop), brother and sister-in-law Ronald and Nancy Irvine, brother and sister-in-law Donald and Odessa Irvine, brothers-in -law Thomas Waluk , Lawrence Dennis and Layton “Skip” Benjamin. He is also predeceased by Terrie’s first husband Harry Jacob Zimmerman. Services will be private and at the convenience of the family as per Bob’s wishes. Memories and condolences may be expressed by visiting www.bowenfuneralhomes.com.

Robert John Irvine

October 25, 1938 - August 1, 2025

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

About Us

Resources

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

Contact Information

Robert John Irvine

October 25, 1938 - August 1, 2025

365 Days of Grief Support

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

About Us

Resources

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

Contact Information