The Meadows Standardbred Owners Association is saddened to learn of the passing of William E. 'Bill' Kirwan, 80, of Westmont, Pennsylvania, who passed away on Jan. 18, 2019 in Johnstown.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years Maureen (Quinn) (2010), son James E. Kirwan (2015), and brother-in-law Edward Kany.
Bill is survived by children, Kathleen Kirwan (Johnstown), John Kirwan (California), and daughter-in-law, Renee (Young) Kirwan (Johnstown); grandchildren, Michael and Quinn Larkin, and James E. Jr., Aidan, and Delana Kirwan; sister-in-law Beverly Graham; brother-in-law Michael Kany; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Bill was a 1956 graduate of St. Agnes High School (Towanda, PA). He received a BS in Physics from St. Bonaventure University (Olean, NY). He moved to Johnstown in 1960 and was employed by Penelec as an Engineer. Bill co-founded KirCon Inc. with his wife Maureen, and later merged the company with Richard Yeager to form KirCon-Breco, Inc.
He was involved in harness racing for many years as both an owner and as a past director of the Meadows Standardbred Owners Association. He was a member of the United States Trotting Association.
Friends will be received 4-7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 22 at the Frank Duca Funeral Home, Westmont Chapel, 1622 Menoher Blvd. A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 23 at Our Mother of Sorrows Catholic Church, 415 Tioga St., Johnstown, PA 15905.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made payable to the Local Chapter of the American Cancer Society c/o Frank Duca Funeral Home, 1622 Menoher Blvd. Johnstown, PA 15905; or donate online to the woundedwarriorproject.org.
Please join Standardbred Canada in sending condolences to the friends and family of Bill Kirwan.