Irwin Wallman

Obituary of Irwin Wallman

Irwin Wallman, known fondly by his grandchildren as Poppy, died peacefully at home. He was 93.

 

Born in the Bronx, New York, Irwin’s entrepreneurial spirit reflected the hustle and bustle of the big city. By 10 years old, he was selling papers in the New York subway to help his family make ends meet. His work ethic and commitment to family, honed in those early years, would endure for the rest of his life. 

 

Irwin pursued an education in engineering and excelled as a student. Like most American men of his generation, he also served in the armed forces. His tour of duty as an aerospace engineer in the Korean War left a firm imprint, and played no small part in spurring his insatiable curiosity for travel.

 

Back on American soil, Irwin and his wife Flora moved to Shelburne, Vermont where he launched a new chapter as an inventor and business owner. His company produced bottles for dairy farms and cider orchards. Irwin diligently built a customer base throughout the northeast and invented bottle caps that are still in use today. Many long days and nights were spent in his garage, tinkering with machinery and searching for improvements in his products and processes.

 

Yet for all his professional achievements, his greatest joy outside of family was the water. He passed many happy weeks sailing the intercoastal water way in his characteristic short-sleeved collared shirt. He would marvel at life’s little wonders, be it the sun’s reflection on the water or the white caps on the waves. Irwin was a man of few words, which made the gravitas of what he did say all the more powerful.

 

In his later years he loved spending time with his grandchildren and keeping his mind active. He authored an original work on the politics of oil and energy, and took up several hobbies.  He also enjoyed a good meal. Lox, bagels, and cream cheese was his favorite.

 

Irwin is survived by his wife, Flora; his three stepchildren Lee, Eddie, and Amy; three grandchildren, Rebecca, Samuel, and Max and two nephews Kipp and Gerald Watson. 

 

Services will be private.  In lieu of flowers, the family encourages Donations to Habitat for Humanity.

 

 

A Memorial Tree was planted for Irwin
We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ the staff at The Island Funeral Home & Crematory
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