Hiram, ME - It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Reverend Robert Emery Irish, 91 years old, who went home to be with the Lord on March 24, 2026. He passed peacefully surrounded by his three boys, their wives, and their grandchildren.
He was born in Conway, NH on November 18, 1934, to the late Melbert and Lora (Emery) Irish. Pastor Bob grew up in Conway and attended all the local schools. He graduated from Kennett High School in 1952. Immediately following High School, he worked at Conway Café. At the age of 19, Pastor Bob accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. In the fall of 1955, he attended New Brunswick Bible Institute (NBBI) and graduated in 1958. After he graduated NBBI, he had no idea what God wanted him to do. He returned to work at Conway Café, where he met the love of his love, Mary Locke.
In the Spring of 1960, Bernard and Beverly Roes, asked Pastor Bob to candidate at the East Parsonsfield Baptist Church. They met Pastor Bob in the summer of 1957, where he ministered at the vacation Bible schools in Porter, North Limington, and East Parsonsfield.
In 1961, he married Mary Locke and they moved to the parsonage where they began their ministry at East Parsonsfield Baptist Church. They began their family of three boys starting in 1964. He was very involved in his children’s lives as he attended all their sports and extracurricular activities. As the boys grew older, he taught them many hobbies such as hunting, fishing, baseball, and basketball. Most importantly, he led all three boys to accept Jesus Christ as their personal Savior at a young age. Pastor Bob continued to encourage their faith through church, vacation Bible schools, and Circle L Summer Camp. Pastor Bob ministered at the same congregation for 54 years.
Pastor Bob loved spending time with his family and grandchildren. He enjoyed gardening, being outside, playing and watching sports, and most of all cooking Holiday meals for the family. Mary and Bob will always be remembered by every family member “the special birthday phone call” as they would sing Happy Birthday every year. The last time he sang Happy Birthday was for his son Charlie on March 12th. Pastor Bob will be remembered for so many things, but most of all he instilled in us all the importance of family and putting Jesus Christ first in everything you do.
Pastor Bob was predeceased by his wife, Mary Irish, his parents Melbert and Lora Irish, brothers, Charles and Perley. He is survived by his sons Robert Jr and wife Crystal, Charles and wife Amy, Mark and wife Shelly, grandchildren, Alicia, Sidney, and Caleb, Shannon, husband Nate and Shane, and Savannah and Arielle, great grandchildren Ryder and Avery.
A Celebration of Life will be held at The Hilltop Baptist Church located at 17 School Street, Cornish, ME 04020 on Saturday, March 28, 2026; Visiting Hours will begin at 1:00pm followed by a service at 2:00pm. Burial will be at a date at Conway Village Cemetery
We will forever cherish our memories of Pastor Bob Irish and his enduring love.
Online condolence messages can be submitted at the Poitras, Neal & York Funeral Home website, www.mainefuneral.com