Richard W. Irons, Sr. a Tewksbury resident for over fifty years passed away peacefully, April 25, 2017, at the Saints Memorial Hospital in Lowell, following a short period of declining health. He was 87 years of age. Richard was the beloved husband of the late Emily M. (Perkins). Born in Woburn he was the son of the late Gilbert A. and Hilda (Parker) Irons.
“Grumpy” as he was affectionately known to his family and friends was raised and educated in Woburn and was a graduate of Woburn High School and Wentworth Institute of Technology. He honorably served for twenty years with the Army National Guard and was a champion marksman and sharp shooter. He worked most of his life as a very talented industrial spray painter. He worked for several years with the Raytheon Corp and with different metal shops over the years. He was an antique and hot rod car enthusiast and was well known for his amazing custom paint jobs that he created. He was a member of the Dracut Road Runners Club.
He is survived by his devoted children, Richard W. Irons Jr. of Tewksbury, Robin L. Colson of Tewksbury, Linda S. Forgione of Peabody, Bonnie M. Pepper of Weare, NH and Karen A. Jenson of Gloucester. He is also survived by 9 loving grandchildren and 9 loving great grandchildren.
A funeral service will be conducted in the Dello Russo Family Funeral Home, 374, Main St., Wilmington, Monday at 11 a.m. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours will be held on Sunday from 3 thru 7 p.m. Interment services will be private.