Lester R. (Bob) Irwin, age 81 of Cortland entered into eternal rest on Sunday May 2, 2010 at Lake Vista of Cortland. Bob was born in Warren on June 26, 1928, the son of Lester M. & Beulah R. (Rowley) Irwin. Bob has lived in Cortland since 2004, formerly of Newton Falls since 1952. Bob married the former Helen Louise Clabaugh on August 3, 1952 and they were married for a wonderful 57 years. Bob was a US Army veteran serving during the Korean War and earning the Bronze Star. Bob retired in 1989 after 35 years with the Howland School System. During his years with Howland, he served as a teacher, the head librarian, and the assistant principal. He started the first wrestling team in 1955 and started the Howland ski club. Bob was a life member of the First Congregational Church in Newton Falls where he was a life deacon. He was a member of the Newton Falls Library Board for 25 years, where he was instrumential in getting the new library building. Bob was a member of the Newton Falls Kiwanis, Newton Falls VFW, Newton Falls American Legion Post 236, and Newton Falls Masonic Lodge #462. He also served two terms as a Newton Falls City Councilman and was Mayor of Newton Falls for 8 years. Bob enjoyed snowskiing, waterskiing, boating, and camping. His favorite place was the Tetons. He was elected into the Trumbull County Sports Hall of Fame, the Howland High School Hall of Fame and the Eastern Ohio Wrestling Hall of Fame. Bob helped his wife, Helen, conduct worship services at Laurie Ann Nursing Home on Sundays since 1989. Bob was a volunteer at Hillside Hospital but his greatest love was being a doting grandpa. Memories of Bob will be carried on by his wife, Helen Irwin of Cortland, son & daughter-in-law, Mark & Judith Irwin of Columbus, son, Dean Irwin of Reston, VA, sister & brother-in-law, Evelyn & Howard Lewis of Spokane, WA, brother & sister-in-law, Jack & Alice Irwin of Bella Vista, AR and four grandchildren, Brittany & Mitchell Irwin-Hirschfeld, Jerica, Lindsay & Audrey Irwin. Calling hours will be held on Sunday May 9, 2010 from 4:00 - 7:00 pm at James Funeral Home in Newton Falls, where Masonic Services will be held at 3:40 pm. The funeral service will be held on Monday May 10, 2010 at 11:00 am at the First Congregational Church in Newton Falls, where calling hours will be held one hour prior to service time. Bob will be laid to rest at Lutheran Cemetery. The family requests that contributions be made to the Newton Falls First Congregational Church, 612 W. Broad St., Newton Falls, OH 44444 or The Hope Center For Cancer, 1745 Niles Cortland Rd., Warren, OH 44484. Arrangements are being entrusted to James Funeral Home, 8 East Broad St., Newton Falls, OH 44444 (330)872-5440.